Senate Republicans Block Merkley’s Epstein Files Transparency Act, Justice for Epstein’s Victims

Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted down Merkley's bill to publicly release all files relating to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and his associates:

"What do Senate Republicans have to hide? After promising transparency for the American people, accountability for individuals involved with Epstein, and justice for all victims harmed, Senate Majority Leader Thune and Senate Republicans all bent the knee to Donald Trump and opposed my bill to release the Epstein Files.

"Jeffrey Epstein's victims and the American people deserve the truth about Epstein and his horrific crimes. As long as Congressional Republicans continue to side with the rich and the powerful over justice, I'll fight to pass my bill to shine a light on the truth surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and those connected to him."

Tonight's vote was a result of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) filing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act identical to Merkley's Epstein Files Transparency Act. Merkley introduced the bill with New Mexico's U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján and 24 other Senators-including Leader Schumer-to require the U.S. Department of Justice to release all the Epstein Files within 30 days of passage. The bill also includes strong protections to redact appropriate information to protect victims' privacy and national security, while explicitly prohibiting redactions based on reputational harm or political sensitivity.

Full text of Merkley's Epstein Files Transparency Act as introduced in the Senate can be found by clicking here.