Congresswoman Brown Votes to Force Trump to Release the Epstein Files

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) voted for legislation to force President Trump to release the Epstein Files. The Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) requires the Department of Justice to publish, in a searchable format, all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ’s possession related to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation includes measures to protect the privacy of survivors and ensure their personal information is redacted. 

Brown signed the discharge petition to require the bill to receive a vote in the House.

The vote follows months of delays from the Trump Administration and Republican leadership in Congress. The Epstein Files Transparency Act only came to the floor after 218 members signed the discharge petition in support of the bill, which forced Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson to bring it to the floor for a vote. 

Congresswoman Brown Releases the Following Statement

“My vote to release the Epstein files is about justice for the survivors and accountability for the perpetrators and enablers. In Trump and Epstein’s America the powerful, wealthy, and well-connected are unchecked and unaccountable – and that must end. 

“Make no mistake, President Trump spent all last year talking nonstop about releasing these files. But this year, Trump has fought to conceal the Epstein Files and with each new release we can see why – he is a man with a lot to hide. As president, he’s hiding the files — pressuring members to stay off the discharge petition and creating distraction after distraction. And it’s no mystery why. The latest emails from the Epstein estate make one thing clear: Trump knew about Epstein’s abuse and even spent hours alone with his victims.

“And that gets to the bigger picture: when the choice is between doing what’s right for the American people and doing what’s right for Donald Trump, Trump chooses Trump every single time. He’ll spend endless energy protecting himself and the wealthy elites around him, but he won’t lift a finger to lower people’s bills, make life more affordable, or help families who are struggling.

“The American people deserve the truth. Woe betide Senate Republicans who block this bill and block the release of the files. End the coverup, end the abuse of power, and release the files.”

On Monday, Congresswoman Brown spoke on the House floor, calling out President Trump’s misguided priorities, from the Epstein files to tax giveaways and pardons. 

Brown said, “he’s working for you if you’re wealthy, well-connected and don’t want the Epstein files to see the light of day. But if you’re struggling to afford rent or groceries? If premiums are breaking your budget? He’s not working for you.”

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