US Congress probes Jeffrey Epstein case as survivors push for accountability

For almost a year, growing pressure from survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse has driven the U.S. House Oversight Committee to pursue a bipartisan investigation. Lawmakers have held hearings with former Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi, as well as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who authored a bill to release Epstein‑related files, asked, “Why there has not been a single investigation of people who have allegedly abused or committed financial crimes?” Survivors, including Annie Farmer, criticized the Department of Justice’s chaotic release of files containing nude photos and personal data, saying the government’s “refusal to acknowledge the failures … have led to so much harm.”

The committee’s effort has been marked by bipartisan subpoenas and testimony, but critics say it has produced little concrete criminal accountability. The investigation also highlighted a contrast with Europe, where officials in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway and Slovakia have resigned over ties to Epstein. Lawmakers continue to demand further inquiries and an acknowledgment of systemic failures.