Congress is back in session, and so is a debate that refuses to fade. The scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein has returned to Washington with lawmakers now pressing the Justice Department for more documents.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called members back early from summer recess to contain pressure over releasing Epstein’s files. Yet lawmakers across both parties see political risk in ignoring a case tied to abuse and corruption.
Representatives Ro Khanna , a Democrat from California, and Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, have teamed up to force a vote. They want the Justice Department to disclose all Epstein-related documents without delay.
The success of their measure is uncertain. Even if Congress orders the release, it is unknown whether the Justice Department would fully comply. Still, Democrats say they aim to keep the issue alive.
A Democratic aide stressed that the party will spotlight Epstein once Congress resumes after Labor Day. The aide said Republicans will not want to vote against disclosure, despite internal divisions on the matter.
Epstein, a wealthy financier with powerful connections, was charged in 2019 with child sex trafficking . He died in prison while awaiting trial, creating years of suspicion about how his case was handled.
Much of the public anger traces back to a 2008 deal in Florida. That arrangement let Epstein avoid severe federal charges and serve limited jail time, despite evidence of serious crimes.
Alex Acosta, the prosecutor behind the deal, later joined Trump’s cabinet as Labor Secretary. He is due to speak with the House Oversight Committee on September 19 about his role in that agreement.
The committee recently subpoenaed Justice Department records tied to Epstein. Although thousands of pages were delivered, Representative Robert Garcia said most were already public. Democrats argue the agency is holding back.
Garcia, who is leading the push with Khanna, insisted that survivors deserve full truth. He said there can be no excuse for incomplete disclosure and added public trust depends on transparency.
Trump’s ties to Epstein hover over the debate. The two were close for years, creating discomfort for many in Trump’s political base. Democrats now highlight his refusal to push for full release.
Republican Chairman James Comer, also demanded documents from Epstein’s estate. He requested records naming presidents and vice presidents, plus contact lists and videos dating back to 1990.
Among potential disclosures is a birthday book prepared for Epstein. Reports suggest it contains a note Trump signed with a crude drawing, though Trump insists he never wrote it.
The committee also voted to subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former associate. She is now serving a 20-year sentence for helping recruit and abuse minors. Her testimony could stir national attention.
Maxwell has sought clemency from Trump. Democrats doubt her claims, but they know her appearance would create a media storm and add more pressure on the White House.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche previously met with Maxwell during a two-day interview. She cleared Trump of misconduct, saying he always behaved as a gentleman. Her comments fueled partisan debate.
The Justice Department says more Epstein records will be shared in stages. Officials argue information must be redacted to protect victims, but critics accuse the agency of unnecessary secrecy.
For lawmakers, political stakes remain high. Democrats hope to use the case to divide Trump’s base, while Republicans fear alienating voters by appearing soft on demanding transparency.
The Epstein scandal, six years after his death, still casts a shadow in Washington. With pressure mounting, the fight over secret files is set to define the coming session.
