MANCHESTER, N.H. (Diya TV) — Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky are renewing their push for the Justice Department to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. They plan a news conference on Sept. 3 with 10 victims of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.
Khanna says the victims’ stories will shock the public and put pressure on Congress to act. “People are going to be outraged,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “These victims haven’t spoken for decades. When Epstein got that lenient plea deal, no one talked to the victims or their lawyers.”
The lawmakers hope the news conference will increase support for a bill requiring the Justice Department to release all Epstein files. “When the American people hear the victims for the first time, their hearts are going to be broken. All the victims are asking for is closure,” Khanna said.
Khanna and Massie argue that other wealthy and powerful men involved in abuse have avoided accountability. “That’s what we’re going to hear on Sept. 3, and people are going to be outraged. I don’t see how, after that, the House can’t vote for the release of these files,” Khanna said.
The move comes as Congress returns to session. Khanna and Massie are optimistic about passing the bill. “I’m confident we’re going to get the 218 votes for the discharge petition,” Khanna said. He noted that the effort has bipartisan support, including from 12 Republicans, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert.
Khanna emphasized the effort is not about former President Donald Trump or partisan politics. “This is about justice for victims of rich and powerful men who abused underage girls,” he said. “People want transparency. They want accountability.”
Epstein died by suicide in a New York federal prison in 2019 while awaiting federal charges related to sex trafficking. Since then, speculation has swirled about who else may have been involved in his alleged sex ring.
Earlier this summer, the White House faced criticism after the Justice Department and FBI said they found no evidence of an Epstein client list. Some supporters of former President Trump expected explosive revelations. The announcement fueled anger and calls for accountability, including demands for Attorney General Pam Bondi to be fired. Trump later called the Epstein investigation a Democratic hoax, adding to the controversy.
Khanna stressed that the upcoming news conference will give survivors a platform to speak publicly for the first time in decades. “These victims just want closure,” he said. “When the public hears their stories, it will be impossible to ignore the need for justice.”
The lawmaker believes releasing the Justice Department’s files will shed light on the full scope of Epstein’s crimes and potential accomplices. “There are many powerful individuals who have committed abuse and have not been held accountable. The public deserves to know the truth,” he said.
The bill has gained traction in both parties. Khanna and Massie said they have enough support to move the legislation forward. “We’ve got 212 Democrats and 12 Republicans ready to support the petition. This is not about political games. This is about justice and transparency,” Khanna said.
The planned Sept. 3 news conference in Manchester, New Hampshire, will feature 10 victims speaking about their experiences. Khanna and Massie hope the event will build momentum and compel Congress to act quickly.
“After this, the House can’t ignore the victims,” Khanna said. “The public is going to demand answers, and the files should be released.”
