Hoyer Statement After Voting to Release the Epstein Files

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after voting on H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act:

"Today, I voted to release the Epstein files. I did so not only as a Member of Congress; not only as someone who cherishes my daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters; but as someone who believes the American people deserve the truth. Crucially, the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes deserve justice. I am in awe of their strength, and I thank them for bravely sharing their stories.

"Donald Trump has the power to release the Epstein files in their entirety and should have long ago. He chose not to. The American people will remember that choice. The Republican Majority also could have acted of its own accord to compel the Trump Administration to disclose the Epstein files. Instead, Republican leadership used every tactic they could to try to quash this effort. It shouldn’t have taken a discharge petition to get this bill a fair vote on the House Floor.

"I believe it is never too late to do the right thing. I have no doubt, however, that the American people took note of which of their elected leaders waited.”