WASHINGTON D.C, July 24, 2025 – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) has reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case, following a successful House Oversight Committee vote to subpoena the Department of Justice for related files. In a poignant statement on X early Friday, Pressley described the effort as deeply personal, drawing on her own experience as a survivor of sexual violence.
The committee’s decision, which saw Republicans Nancy Mace, Brian Jack, and Scott Perry joining Democrats, marks a significant step toward uncovering the full extent of Epstein’s crimes. Pressley’s advocacy aligns with broader calls for justice, as Attorney General Pamela Bondi released the first phase of declassified Epstein files in February 2025, revealing Epstein’s exploitation of over 250 underage girls. This release fulfilled President Trump’s pledge for transparency, though Pressley and other lawmakers argue more must be done.
In her statement, Pressley emphasized the lifelong impact of sexual abuse, stating, “I’ve been doing the advocacy for survivors for all my life. I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault, and it is a life sentence.” She called for healing, transparency, and accountability, sentiments echoed by The Survivors Trust, which supports over 100,000 sexual abuse survivors annually and has long advocated for survivor-focused solutions.
The subpoena vote comes amidst heightened public and political pressure for full disclosure, with Pressley warning against cynicism or political motives. “For those who would say don’t we have better things that we could be working on, this healing, this transparency, this accountability for survivors is important,” she stated, underscoring the urgency of the issue.
As the nation grapples with the legacy of Epstein’s actions, Pressley’s stance positions her as a leading voice for survivors, demanding that the truth be unearthed and justice served. The coming months will be critical as the Department of Justice responds to the subpoena, potentially revealing more about Epstein’s network and the systemic failures that allowed his crimes to persist.