Jeffrey Epstein's abuse survivors testify about their experiences on Capitol Hill

In a recent development, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing for a vote to release federal records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This move comes as survivors of Epstein's abuse, joined by these lawmakers on Capitol Hill, demand the release of these files, arguing that they hold the keys to preventing similar incidents from happening again.

The records in question have been around for more than two decades, but their release has been a contentious issue. A small group of Republicans, led by Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie, are at the forefront of this push. They believe that making these files public could lead to more participants being held accountable for their involvement in Epstein's sex trafficking network.

One of the survivors who spoke publicly for the first time at the rally was Marina Lacerda, identified as Minor Victim 1 in Epstein's 2019 indictment. Lacerda expressed her frustration with the government having information that survivors do not, stating that in order to heal, survivors need to access these files.

Lacerda's sentiments were echoed by Sky Roberts, whose sister Virginia Roberts Giuffre was one of Epstein's most prominent accusers. Giuffre tragically died by suicide earlier this year. Roberts stated, "The survivors of this horrific abuse are watching. The American people are watching, and history is watching. Which side will you be on?"

However, not all politicians share this view. Former President Donald Trump has recently characterized the push for the release of these records as a political stunt. Despite this, the attorney for the Epstein survivors has stated that Trump directly helped their investigation in 2009.

Meanwhile, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's associate who was convicted for sex trafficking, remains a concern. There are rumours of a potential new deal being offered to her, which has sparked further concerns.

The Oversight Committee has issued dozens of subpoenas and plans for more witness interviews in the coming weeks. As the push for transparency continues, it remains to be seen whether the required 218 signatures for a Discharge Petition in the House will be met, with at least two additional Republican representatives needed to support the bill.

Marina Lacerda emphasized the need for transparency and the importance of passing the bill to access these files. She urged lawmakers to stand with the survivors, stating, "We deserve justice, and these records are a crucial step towards achieving it."

Jeffrey Epstein's abuse survivors testify about their experiences on Capitol Hill