Loading summary
Transcript41 lines
- [00:14]
A
I also want to thank the courage of two of my colleagues in particular. Both of them have suffered, as you know, political consequences for what they did. One, my colleague, Congressman Thomas Mansi. This would not have been possible if he hadn't led the discharge petition that got 218 signatures and is going to force a vote on the House of Representatives. And this would not have certainly been possible if it were not for the courage of Marjorie Taylor Green. She signed the petition and I would keep texting Thomas because there was so much pressure, again, so much attacks against her, but she stood with the survivors. For Thomas or me, this has never been political. It's not about questions of. This is the question of doing the right thing for survivors. We're going to get a vote today. I expect an overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives, and I don't want the DC Swamp playing any game. They need to pass this in the Senate. They should not amend it. President Trump has said he would sign the Epstein Transparency Act. It's going to get overwhelming support in the House. It should go straight to the Senate and it should be signed. No amendments, no adding loopholes. Justice is going over you now. I want to hand it over to my colleague. Representative, I want to start by thanking the survivors. They're giving everybody hope in this country. There are survivors of other sex crimes in this country wondering if they should come forward. They're clouded with shame and concerned that law enforcement will do nothing. And these survivors have stepped forth, taking that same risk, worried that they will be defamed themselves. They have been to the bank for stepping forward, but we're going to get justice for them. That's going to happen today in the People's House. The founder set up our government with three branches and. And two branches of Congress. And I don't think it's any coincidence that this fight is being started and it's being won in the House of Representatives. I have people, other survivors of other sex crimes who come to me and say thank you. You give me hope. Give us hope. There is hope here. The president, the attorney General, the FBI director, speaker of the House, and the vice president to get this win, but they never. They're on our side today, though. Let's give them some credit as well. They are finally on the side of justice. And as Ro said, don't muck it up in the Senate. Don't get too cute.
- [03:05]
B
We're all paying attention.
- [03:06]
A
If you want to add some additional protections for survivors, go for it. But if you do anything that prevents any disclosure, you are not for the people. And you are not part of this effort. Do not muck it up in the Senate. So with that, just want to say I am hopeful too. I didn't know that we would succeed when Roe and I started this session. Most discharge petitions never make it, maybe only 4%. So we had long odds. But we had some brave women on the Republican side. My colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of them is here with us today. You cannot even imagine the consequences that they have suffered. My colleague Lauren Bo and my colleague Nancy Mace, they stood so strong, they put their names on a document in here and then they were pressured in ways that you cannot even imagine. And they stood strong and that's why we're here today. And they didn't take us seriously over at the executive branch or in the Senate because they always thought they could flip one of these women. They could convince them or control them or intimidate them into taking their names off of this petition when they did not succeed. This is a victory for those women and women all over the country today. And I just glad to be a part of it that I want to introduce my colleague, Marjorie Taylor Green.
- [04:37]
B
I woke up this morning and I took my weather back to check the temperature and it's 32 degrees. My first thought was. I want to. And all of the other survivors, They are strong, they are courageous, they are daughters of God. They are not victims. These women have fought the most horrific fight that no woman should have. Might they get it by being together? Never get there. That's what we did by fighting so hard against. United states. I was called a traitor by a band that I fought for five, no, actually six years. I gave my loyalty. I won my first election without his enforcement meeting being in a primary. And I've never owed him anything, but I fought for him, for the policies, for America. First, he called me a traitor. Standing with women. Let me tell you what a traitor traitor is a is an American that serves foreign countries themselves. A patriot is an American that served the United States of America and Americans like the women standing behind. And I want to tell you that this only became possible today because the American people who serve as representatives here in Congress demanded that this vote happen. And they put more pressure on every single elected politician in this city that has ever been put on. And today you are going to see probably a unanimous vote, the House, at least the EP files, but the fight, real fight. Well, I want to see every single day so that these women don't have to live in fear and intimidation. But the real Test will be will the Department of Justice leave the file or will it all remain tied up CIA, a judge in New York, Sorry, the information, that's information needs to come out and we'll list the names that these women privately hold that they told because of their fear in their heart what would happen to them if they release it on their own. Well, that was, that's the real test. So I want you. Aisle it is become bigger than the these men crossed that. And that is more of what is needed today in America.
- [08:41]
A
Thank you Representative Green, your courage and your words. Before I introduce our survivors, I just want to say that they will make their statements and then you can ask questions, Representative Massey, myself or Representative Green. But we do not want people asking questions and cross examining the survivors. They're here to tell their stories and they should be heard by the American people. With respect, of course, Don Massey, myself and Green would be happy to answer questions after that. With that, let me introduce the survivor who's helped organize a lot of this and be introducing telling her own story and introducing the other survivors. Haley Robson, thank you for your encourages.
- [09:37]
B
Oh, good morning. A little chilly coming from Florida. Not used to it. I want everybody to take a look. I know everybody sees us today as grown adults but we are fighting for the children that were abandoned and left behind in the reckoning. This is who you're fighting for. This is who Congress is fighting for. This is who the House of Representatives are fighting for and hopefully the Senate will fight for us too. I want to kick this off right and I want to address Margaret Hillary mask in Ronna. I want to express my gratitude for all three of you and I know we spoke earlier. This is an incredible thing that I'm watching as a Republican and this is non political but for you to go against your own party and to be ostracized, there's no place for political violence, there's no place for intimidation. And I can say firsthand stepping out against Epstein and his crimes against children, we have all experienced that ourselves. So for you to knowingly put yourself at risk and put your career at risk is unbelievable to watch and we are so grateful. I also want to make a proposition for Marjorie Green because you've been an advocate for this. If you decide to read those names on the House floor for immunity, I will be more than happy. No security needed. I will stand beside you, I will hold your hand, I will hold your coat in solidarity with you. And on top of that, I did talk to jail Paul who said she would be more Than happy to read those names toward all of us. It's time that we pull it. We put the political agenda and party affiliations to the side. This is a human issue. This is about children. There is no place in society for exploitation, sexual crimes or exploitation of women in society. There's no room for it guys. We're not having it. And to the President of the United States of America who is not here today, I want to send a clear message to you. While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files and I'm grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can't help to be skeptical of what the agenda is. So with that being said, I want to relay this message to you. I am traumatized. I am not stupid. I am traumatized. I am not stupid. You have put us through so much stress. The lockdown, the halt of these. Of these procedures that were supposed to have happened 50 days ago. The Adelita Rahulva who waited to get sued, sworn in and then get upset when your own party goes against you because what is being done is wrong. It's not right for your own self serving purposes. This is America. This is land of the free. Land of the free. In 1863 we have a woman on top of the Capitol building represent freedom. I do not feel free today. I don't know if the women behind me feel free today. So I am begging every member of Congress, every representative to step up and choose the chaos. Choose the survivors. Choose the children. Protect the children. All children. You protect all of us equally. Thank you very much for your time. Following that, Lisa Phillips will be the next survivor. Good morning. My name is. It's an honor to stand here again for something. America's finally united on the immediate release of the entire Epstein flies In a divided nation. This is one demand we all share. Last time I stood here, I. I made a promise to all survivors watching. If those in power refused to release the truth, we would start uncovering it ourselves. For anyone who doubted that, that moment has already arrived. Since that day, more survivors across the country and around the world have reached out texts, emails, DMs, firsthand accounts and evidence. Many are women who were abused or trafficked. Through the international modeling pipeline Epstein built promising visas apartments, opportunities, futures while exploiting their dreams for abuse. Most are still terrified to speak publicly. Because the men involved are powerful. They're connected. And as we know, they're protected. For too long, survivors have watched others for us. And while we are grateful for our allies of Congress on both Sides. We've realized something. This fight belonged to us. We lived it and we know the truth. And we will not wait quietly for institutions to decide when we're allowed to speak. The survivors now coming forward have entrusted us with their stories. We are sharing that information with the proper authorities and when it can safely be made public and building so today we are launching something historic. The first national survivor led political movement in America. Nonpartisan, laser focused on exposing the systems, the loopholes, power structures and silencing mechanisms that have protected predators from far too long. We are stepping directly into the halls of power, into the political group. We will help rewrite laws that failed us and build protections for our nation's children. Together targeted by sexual exploitation. Together. Today, survivors begin our own fight, the Survivor revolution. And we intend to change this nation. If you're a survivor who wants to join us, please reach out. And to anyone who benefits from the current system, intentionally or not, remember this alone. Yes, we are afraid put together. Hello, everybody. I am Generalisa Jones and just as Haley. I would just like to give a little reminder that this was me at 14 years old. I was a child. I was in ninth grade. I was hopeful for life and what the future stole a lot at 14. So just a little reminder, I just want to start out by saying thank you for all of you here today. I want to start by explaining embarrassing my deep disgratitude to the members of Congress who stood with us, the survivors, in demanding transparency and justice. Your support is a signal that this institution still serves the American people. This issue was never one that should have divided us the way it has. In fact, it should have united us. Sexual abuse is not a Republican issue. This it is not. Or Democratic issues. It is not a. It is also not opposed. We are here as American survivors of a man who used his wealth and power to hurt young girls and women. The world should see the files to know who Jeffrey Epstein was and how the system catered to him and failed us emotionally. This process has been distressing. First, the administration said it would release everything and applauded President Trump for that. Then it fought to release nothing. Now that, that, that. Now that that checks and balances of our democracy have worked and the bill is getting passed to release the file. We are hearing the administration say they intend to investigate various Democrats, Democrats who were friends with Epstein. I beg you, President Trump, please stop making this political. It is not about you, President Trump. You are our president. Please start acting like it. Show some class, show some real leadership. Show that you actually care about the people other than yourself. I voted for you. But your behavior on this issue has been an national embarrassment. It is time to take the honest moral ground and support the release of these files. Not to weaponize pieces of the files against random political enemies that did nothing wrong, but to understand who Epstein's friends were, who covered for him, what financial institutions allowed his trafficking to continue, who knew what he was doing but was too much of a coward to do anything about it. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were able to recruit and abuse young girls and women. Then the country will learn nothing. The country will learn nothing and has horrible history itself if we do not do something about it. Thank you to the brave congressmen and women who have stood by us and recognize our side is the American side and we should all be proud once again to be American. I wanted to extend my thank you so much to all three of you. Very very much. The first time we were here listening to people yell shame at you and when she's here in support of us, really hit home and spoke some volume and I very much appreciateful of your support and stand by you. Don't let anyone here for you. Thank you. Wow. Good morning everyone. Thank you all so much for coming together today, taking the time to listen to us. Your presence means the world and it shows commitment to understanding and supporting survivors and Americans. I stand before you today with a heavy heart. I originated from Brazil and I come. I came to the United States when I was 8 years old. I was only 14 when I first encountered Jeffrey Epson and my daughter is now almost at that age. At 14, the only things she should be concerned with are going to school, practicing at her cheerleading competitions and enjoying her time with friends and family. She should not have to bear the burden of worrying about being manipulated or exploited. At this age. She's still a child and no child just ever had to face such threats. I also want to address a trouble state. A troubling statement made by a prominent figure on a major platform suggested that a 14 year old should not be considered victim of pedophilia. This is a dangerous and incorrect notion. When we talk about how children at 14 should still be treated as children. I ask to look at the young people around you. Remember when you were that age. Do you think you should have been responsible for being burned? Put yourselves in our position for library. I'm here today not to just share my story, but to call on all to help make a difference. We need to support push for the Transparency act and release the EPC files. Please reach out to your Congress members and senators and urge them to support this legislation. The truth is something that we all deserve, and it is vital for safety, protection of generations. Think about all the young people in your life. Your daughters, your nieces, your friends. Let's stand together and ensure that they grow up in a world where they are safe and valuable. I often wondered, why did this happen to me? And then I realized, God forgives you what you can handle. I'm here for a purpose. And that purpose is to make us think today. So let's stand together to protect our children and our. Thank you. Good morning. I want to say a few things before I begin. My speech may not be great. It was thrown together last minute as I only came here decided Friday when one of us who has spoken several times decided she couldn't come because of the threats. She was too scared. So I want to say, when you threaten one of us, you're threatening all of us. Yep, we are together now. And that's never going to change. This is me, 16, when I met Jeffrey Epstein. It's an honor to stand here before the American people. However, I shouldn't have to stand here at all. I'm here because as a child, I was pulled into Jeffrey Epstein's world. A world built on exploitation and manipulation of innocence and the protection powerful men and women who believed that they were unsustainable. Today, we'd rather be preparing for the holidays. We'd rather be at home with our families, baking with our children and decorating Christmas tree as we try to move past this horrific moment that has contacted our entire adult lives. However, that's not possible because it's become something it should have never been. Political is sensationalized. The truth is simple. We were victimized as children and failed repeatedly by the very system that was supposed to protect us. That's why we stand here today to demand justice and accountability. Not just for Epstein and his crimes, but for every predator and every enabler who participates in or protects abusers. The Epstein case was bravely mishandled, consistently and deliberately over many years. Epstein couldn't stop decades ago, but instead, he was able to continue his abuse. Even during his sweetheart deal. Yes, with his ankle monitor on and beyond. A deal that protected him and silenced us. While I was a child fighting to survive, what happened to us? Federal prosecutors were negotiating ways to shield powerful adults. And the failures didn't stop there. Our civil cases were met with hostile judges and delay tactics, intimidation and PR campaigns designed to smear us in the public eye. We Were treated as problems to be managed instead of victims to be protected. Today, something has changed. Individually, our voices were whispered together. They've become impossible to ignore. We are encouraged to see elected officials from both parties. Thank you. Come together and finally take action to release the files. Thank you. My name is Wendy and I'm standing here type. When I was 14, when I met Jeffrey, none of us here signed up for this political warfare. We never asked to be dragged into battles between people. We are exhausted. Surviving the trauma and then surviving the politics that. That swirl around it. When survivors travel to speak to advocate stand for the truth, we do it with our own from our own. Carrying our own fear, shaking in our own bodies. There is no team. There is no paycheck. It's just us moving. Our voices make a difference and it puts a bit right in your stomach. You know you're standing on the right side of the history. Standing on the right side of history is not a comfortable place to be. It never has been. And in a sick, heartbreaking way, it's an honor. An honor to show up, an honor to speak here and an honor to stand right through when the world tried to keep us in the dark. And what keeps me standing is even with all this fear, I have a 14 year old daughter myself, the same age I was. And when I look at her, I see the little girl I used to be. The one that no one protected. My greatest fear in this entire world is history repeating itself. And I will do anything, absolutely anything to make sure that she has to never be one girl standing in front of a crowd like this today in her life. So today from the safest and bravest places inside myself, I am asking Congress please pass the bill. Please at least records stop making survivors fight alone for the people that should protect us in this first place. To the representatives that support us, thank you. Thank you for standing beside survivors that we don't have to face this fear alone. Thank you for choosing what is right over what is evil. And every survivor who is scared right now. Your fear is real. Your courage is real. And even though we're terrified, we keep showing up because someone has to tell the truth. Someone has to protect these children. We deserve safety then we deserved it now or we deserve it now. And we are done being afraid so others can stay comfortable. So with that, I want to say thank you guys for having us. And I just hope that and remember that as survivors, your. Our story never leaves us. But the choice that you make to pass this bill, your. Your career, that choice will follow you. Hello everybody. Name is danny bensti. Coming from the dance world I was recruited in 2004 after a systematic breaking down your Epstein leverage regathers playing university threatened me to care for her. He trapped me in a year long cycle. The last time I was here in Washington D.C. i talked about. Energy, compassion. I am one story of a thousand. Think of that number thousand. I spoke of how big our hopes and dreams once were when I talked about how they were shattered at the hands of Elain Maxell and Jeffrey Epster. Now I look at this. They are survivor sisters. We are together. We stand together in this. And I realized that we are a representation of women across America. We come from different backgrounds. We have different religions. We are different races, different creeds, different ethnicities. We have different political affiliations. Some of us don't want to be political at all. And yet we stand here together for this cause. Reunited in the call for transparency. Complete transparency. Define justice. Justice for our younger self. They're real people. I wish I could go back and give myself a hug and say this matters and it's going to change and be it. We are standing here for justice for jeans of the tomorrow and justice for those who are no longer with us like the beautiful grave Virginia. We understand that the road is long but I implore you to stay the course, please. Living in an age where you can get news in 10 second clips on your phone. I know that this is a big task for us, but it's a very personal one for survivors, very first one for us as country. So I'd like to ask you to try something right now. I'd like to. I'd like everybody to close their eyes or stop at their gaze just for a moment. And I want everybody to think of a child that is close to them. The ages of 14 and 18 years old. It could be your daughter. It could be your a. It could be a friend's kids. It could be you at a former age, your mother at a. At that age. I really envision that for a second. 14 to 18 years old. Once you think of that person, I want you to think about what they feel like, what is their energy, what do they smell like, what sound do they make when they laugh. Really think about that child just for a moment. Now I want you to picture a pair of giant looming wooden doors and an overbearing mark landing. Those are the doors. Jeffrey Epstein's house. Do you allow that child to enter or not? If the answer is yes, you would allow entrance. You stand with predators. If the answer Is no. Then congratulations. You're on the right side of justice now. You have homework. I am calling for the American people. Have homework. All your congressional leaders, call your senators. Please support this bill. Let's get it all released. Thank you very much. Good morning. My name is Annie Farmer and this is a photo of me, my sister Maria, around the time I was 16 and she was 25. That's how old we were. By applicating that survivors have repeatedly stated that our pursuit of transparency injustice. But given the political voice surrounding spacecraft. In 1996, my sister Maria bravely by reporting to the FBI what Epstein and Max Lich told of us. They hung up on the phone number. There was no problem of any kind. Bill Clinton was president. In 2006, the FBI came to us, finally interviewed us and asked us both to be witnesses against Epstein. We were very anxious, but we agreed. And then we didn't hear back from them. Due to their infamous sweetheart deal. George W. Bush is president. In 2015, the DOJ was sent a FOIA request for Maria's FBI files and they were denied, as they have been many times. Barack Obama was president in 2019 when Epstein died in prison due to either negligence or foul play. Donald Trump was president in 2023. Maria's attorneys sent a letter on her behalf to the government requesting an investigation into the repeated law enforcement failures in this case, similar to what was done in the case of Larry Nassau. They declined to do so. Consequently, my sister filed notice that she would be suing the government for failing to uphold legal, ethical and moral duties in this case. July president this year, after campaigning on a pledge to finally release the files under Trump's second presidency, the DOJ announced they were closing the investigation into Epstein's co conspirators and then transferred Elon Maxwell into a prison camp where it's well documented that she is receiving special treatment. This is not an issue of a few corrupt Democrats or a few corrupt Republicans. This is a case of institutional betrayal. Because these crimes were not properly investigated, so many more girls and women were harmed. My sister, because of her bravery, was repeatedly threatened and lived in fear with dire consequences for her health and her career. Thirty years later, as oceans of allegations and obvious truth have emerged from the government has still not chosen. This is why we have all come together as one united voice to demand the release of all the Epstein files and to finally bring the truth out of the shadows.
- [36:05]
A
Ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress.
- [36:34]
B
My.
- [36:34]
A
Name is Sky Roberts and I stand before you as a predator of Virginia Roberts. Ju PR A Warrior mother and a sister whose legacy will forever resonate with hearts of those who understand the fight against injustice. Today we find ourselves in a place of deep sorrow, shattered by the lot of our beloved sisters. Yet we are honored and privileged to carry her voice forward and continue her witness fights alongside her fellow survivor sisters. Virginia's story is one that should have been filled with promise, but instead became a harrowing tale of exploitation and survival. At just 16 years old, she took a job at Mar? A Largo, believing she had secured a dream summer position. But that dream quickly morphed us. This isn't just the story of one girl. It's a story about the insidious nature of power and abuse, a dark chapter in our society that must be told. Virginia was no stranger to trauma. In her memoir, Nobody's Girl, she shares the painful truth that she had already suffered abuse at the hands of our father. And a family friend. But what happened next was unfathomable. Epstein and Maxwell didn't just abuse her. They trafficked her to a network of the rich and powerful princess, prime ministers, politicians, financiers and lawyers. These men committed unspeakable acts against her, against her will, and against the will of countless survivors who stand united with us today. Virginia's strength was tested in many ways that most of us can hardly imagine. She was manipulated, coerced and threatened, forced into complicity and her own devastation. She often spoke of psychological stars that ran deeper than the physical ones.
- [39:00]
B
From the start, she wrote, they manipulated.
- [39:05]
A
Me into participating in behaviors that ate away at me, eroding my ability to comprehend reality, preventing me from defending myself. The most destructive wound they inflicted was that of force implicit, a betrayal of self that was crafted by her abusers. But I stand here today declaring that their tactics of fear and intimidation did not work. Virginia's spirit could not be broken. She became a beacon of hope, a warrior, fighting not just for herself, but for every survivor who suffered in silence. She said. I felt it was my duty to stand up to predators like Epstein and Maxwell. I would put my neck on the line to make sure my daughter never has to go through what I had to endure. These survivors, like Virginia, have transformed to mothers, strong women in the face of adversity. Many of them have daughters the same age they were when they faced their own abuse. They are determined to break the cycle, to shatter the silence that has kept so many in the shadows. Virginia quoted in her memoir. There I was. As the mother of three children, I felt it was my duty to stand up to predators like Epstein. And Maxwell, I said, I mentioned to Ellie in particular.
- [40:41]
B
My daughter, I would.
- [40:44]
A
Put my neck on the line to make sure she never has to go through what I had to go through. I said, joining Edwards, CBRA case said I what I would want somebody to do for my daughter or sister and friend. In the end, I said I was just trying to do the right thing. That's what I felt like I'm doing. I said, I'm making a small dent in this big world we live in.
- [41:22]
B
Well, sissy.
- [41:41]
A
You made a monumental impact, A resounding statement that echoed across the world. You built an unbreakable wall, a barrier that will protect future generations from the horrors of abuse. As we gathered here today, I urge each of you, members of Congress, advocates, and all those who hear this message to join us in this fight. We demand justice, accountability, and support for survivors. And we keep getting asked this, what does justice mean? You ask. It starts with acknowledgment. That's the first steps. Acknowledging the face of survivors, that this happened and that this is true. Your vote carries that weight. My sister is not a political tool for you to use. These survivors are political tools for you to use. These are real stories, real trauma. And it's time for you to stop just talking about it and act. Vote yes. Virginia's legacy is not just hers. It belongs to all of us who stand against injustice. Together, we will ensure that the voices of survivors are heard, that the truth prevails, and that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
- [43:07]
B
Thank you. Thank you for listening.
- [43:09]
A
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we will not let Virginia's fight be in vain. Together, we will not let the Predators win. Together, we will be the change this world desperately needs. Thank you.
- [43:35]
B
This is me when I met Jeffrey Epstein in 1991. I always share the date when I talk about my spirit. Right? Because people rarely, rarely acknowledge. And for too long, truth has been buried. Survivors have been silenced and powerful people have been protected. And today, we stand in a moment that will decide whether our government still belongs in their or to those who cry on. Because when mountains of evidence and decades of dictating words across administrations still lead to sweetheart, AIDS or no prosecution at all, this isn't just one space gone wrong. It's an institutional failure on a source every member of Congress of this administration. But to dance that millions of sexual abuse survivors note speeding up and watching the institutions that are meant to protect. Epstein may be the headline. But. If our justice system laps this complete for so long, and Congress cannot pretend that the System not for us and not for the generations that will live with the consequences of what they ship us down. One reduced step towards repair damage is the Epstein files. Because without transparency, there's no accountability. Without accountability there is no justice. And without justice, democracy. Yes. So representatives show millions of Americans whether you stand or. Yeah. My name is Charlene. I stand here not as a victim.
- [46:19]
A
Excuse me so far away as a.
- [46:23]
B
Survivor of Jeff Epstein's abuse Far too long Survivor life people have been silent are told that our page was exaggerated or fabricated. Let me be cleared. This is not a hose. Yes, what we endured was real and it has scarred lives across five presidential administrations. The truth has been buried in sealed files and hidden records far too long. The Epstein files Transparency act is not just about survivors. It's about America itself. How can we keep America great if the principles that nation is founded on that power belong is none no matter how well well connected stand above if we cannot face the truth then we betray the very ideals that defines us as a country. By passing this act, Congress has the chance to prove that truth matters more than privilege.
- [47:48]
A
Yes.
- [47:48]
B
That justice matters more than influence. And that America has the courage to confront even the most uncomfortable realities. This is not just about Survivor it's about every country American who believes in accountability, fairness and the promise of justice. I stand here today not only for myself, but for every survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse who has carried this burden in silence and for every citizen who believes that justice delay is justice is denied. I want to thank representatives Rona and Thomas for standing and I especially want to thank Representative Marjorie Taylor Green. Her unwavering support, her courage to stand with us and demand transparency gives us strength. It shows that this fight for accountability is bigger than politics. It's about humanity, justice and truth. This is about America's future. It's about whether we the people will be heard when we have the courage to stand for truth and justice. Our voices are real, our pain is real and our demand for justice will not be silenced. Thank you.
- [49:37]
A
Amen.
- [49:41]
B
Hello, My name is Laura My first time speaking about my the one young woman in New York City who I was modeling experience and living the life of giving back through my Instead I was essentially through and became part of an international sex trafficking ring that was led by Jeffrey Evanston. I was sexually and physically abused by by Jeffrey my dreams and better building sign Today I am sex trafficking. It drives our. Please vote in everything in the files Let investigations proceed without obstruction Demand oversight and deliver justice. The government must never side predators I come as one survivor. But I stand here for everyone who pray for me. We need to comfort me. To my fellow survivors, your courage brought me here. We are more than victims. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. This is not a hoax and we will not be erased. Shame on any elected official who obstructs truth and justice for the American people. Yes. Amen. My name is Liz Stein. In 1994, I was a senior in college. Just 21 years old. I had aspirations of attending law school. After graduation, it looked like I had a great future ahead of me. 1994 was also the year I met Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein. My involvement with them changed the trajectory of my. My entire life. The Epstein files are not about loyalty to any one political party. They're evidence of a crime. We stand here today victims of the crime of sex trafficking. I'm here today speaking Both for my 21 year old selves and for the countless number of people who have experienced sexual violence. When I am asked what I would tell my younger self if I could say something, I say that I would tell myself to tell someone and if they don't listen, to tell someone else. And to just keep telling until someone listens.
- [52:51]
A
And.
- [52:51]
B
And even if nobody listens to you, you should be proud of yourself because you stood in your uncomfortable truth when others could not. And that is true bravery. We stand here today as survivors, part of a sorority that none of us asked to join. We have told our stories over and. And over and over. Now it's time to see who is listening. We ask that you vote to release the files, all of them. So the victims of this crime can finally see justice. Thank you. Well, hello everyone. And I want to first say thank you for your ongoing leadership. I know it must not be easy thing to do, much like for us doing so I guess. Thank you. I. I feel like our dissecting. You're encouraged because that's what it takes to do them. So this was me at 22 years old. I was not a child. Technically very young adult. Yeah. I imagine most of you here the mindset and to be 22 years old. So today is a good day and I thank God for that. It's widely and undeniably clear that our current political climate is quite rigid and seemingly at war with one another. This sets a stage. This sets a stage for voices, survivor voices to get spoken over and drowned out by the political darts buzzing by. Not today though. Today our truth and our power have steadily risen up. We're at the. Our voices prevail. Today, our voices initiated the coming together of both political parties. That's pretty big. Republicans and Democrats, we all stand together today. We all stand together for justice, and we must continue to do so to protect the integrity of our country and our democracy. Truth and justice must prevail. The children today are those that will lead this nation one day. Think about that. What does that mean to each of you? If anyone doubts that this does not directly contribute to the fate of our country and democracy, I challenge you, and I urge you to think again. Our voices are a fundamental pillar of future generations today. That's what we stand here for, accountability, action and justice. Let's get this vote done today. Let's send it through the Senate and straight to President Trump's desk for signing. I'd like to be there that day that he signs. I'm sure all of us would like to be there. Today is a good day, and let's keep moving forward. Hey, guys. We're actually pressed for time, so we are not going to be taking questions going further.
- [57:36]
A
I bring back Ro Khanna.
- [57:38]
B
He's going to be closing our closing conversation.
- [57:42]
A
Thank you. Hilliard says it's right. It's pretty big, what the survivors have accomplished today. And I just want to say how strong and admirable they were. Let's give them a round of applause. Thomas and Marjorie and I will take a few questions.
- [58:11]
B
Basically, right now, calling on the Senate to make revisions to this bill because it says it doesn't absolutely protect the survivors, the victims that are staying behind. You respond to that?
- [58:22]
A
That's been a red herring all along. The survivors have always been in favor of this legislation. There's provision in there you could read, if you would just read it, that protects them. Now, if he wants to offer more protections in the Senate, that's fine with us. But here's the problem. Now we have to vote on it again in the House. So, as you heard, justice delayed and justice denied. It could be just another delay tactic, but we want to.
- [58:49]
B
Is that what you think? That's the motivation?
- [58:51]
A
I think. I think the speaker wants to save face to going to vote for a piece of legislation today that he's disparaged for four months. And if, however, he needs to come on board, we want him on board. So we appreciate. Congressman, what do you say to Andrew Mount, Congressman Windsor, I wonder, what do you say today to Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the man formerly known as Prince Andrew? Well, you know, there's becoming a reckoning in Britain that needs to happen in the United States. Prince Lost his title. The ambassador to the United States lost his job. We need to see those same kind of consequences here. As my colleague Rose said, there shouldn't be buildings named after these perpetrators of these heinous crimes. There shouldn't be scholarships named after them. And there needs to be accounting. We've seen tens of thousands of pages released from the oversight made up. What we've not seen is a single name. So I implore you to, to look and see if we have true justice and transparency. What do you say? The survivors will know when that is happening. Why has President Trump fought so hard to keep this bipartisan? But I hear Thomas's view that the urgency that the British people have shot in getting justice needs to inspire an urgency here in America. Excuse me. Why is President Trump. Why has President Trump fought so hard to keep this secret? All right, I'll let my colleagues. I, I hope the president meets the survivors, and I hope when he signs the bill, the survivors are there. I don't care whether Thomas, Massachusetts survivors should be there. But I look and I hope he meets them because I think if anyone who meets them and sees their emotion will be moved. And my goal is to get justice here. So I hope he will meet them and really hear what's happened and actually take action. But the broader point is, yes, the president could stand order the Justice Department to release the files. But what in a constitutional democracy, what supposed to happen is Congress says that the file should be released and then it's not on the whim of any president, then the Justice Department is compelled to release those files because that's the law. Congresswoman. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green Congress to any.
- [61:23]
B
Republicans in the Senate who are looking to, you know, move this forward.
- [61:29]
A
So Senator Merckley is a Democrat. He's like led the exact same legislation that Ro and I introduced in the House. One Republican co sponsored his bill yesterday. And I have spoken to at least one more who says they would post monitor. The important thing about the Senate is that they need not to lock this bill up. We, there's a lot of attention on here. We needlessly spent four months dragging this out. A representative, a newly elected representative representative was denied her seat in Congress for 49 days. And it's time to pull the band aid off the Senate. You know, it may be tempting for them to get cute and to do things that will limit the release of these documents. They are afraid that people will be embarrassed. Well, that's the whole point here. They need to be brought to justice. And embarrassment is no reason to stop it so the Senate's John Booth it's up to him he needs to bring this to the floor of the Senate and I think the the vote today will show that why do you think the President said he would sign the bill we're going to get almost a unanimous vote here so you have the President and the unanimous Congress believing that this protects the survivors and is falling for the police there's no reason for the Senate now to as Representative Massey puts in book mush around with it they need to put it up have a vote have the President sign it if there's any further protections they they can do that through the the DOJ process but they should not do delay a vote on a bill that the House is going to vote overwhelmingly or the President. You really think the President has do you think.
- [63:15]
B
That you have confidence that I only tast people's action what do you think Man I'll I'll tell I wasn't a Johnny Mag I was day one big difference American obsession decided to president later on right now this has been one of the most destructive things that watching. Re elections people that stood hours. Thoughtful treatment translation what we consider a corrupt government accountable watching this action turn into a violence as tripped back out and the only thing that powerful greatest movement behind me is with actions actually and the American people won't tolerate.
- [64:39]
A
Congressman why do you think the President why do you think the President has fought so hard questions and then we're around all day so is this a watershed how would you sum up today in terms of your battle to get to the truth? I would say that these survivors have been fighting for decades and they finally are being heard by the American people and we're finally going to have a reckoning for this Epstein Platt that has gotten away with horrific things Look I I Bucks County, Pennsylvania people went to church, they played little league they went to their neighbors for barbecue they didn't go to a rape, violence and abused young girls or trafficking people with extreme wealth and thought the laws don't apply to them and and their culture is totally out of country that built America and finally we're going to have election.
- [65:32]
B
Let me ask you this you said you wanted this to go straight to the Senate what message does it send to the survivors behind you if the Senate doesn't act quickly to move this bill forward?
- [65:42]
A
Well they're not here they're not going to answer questions so I'll answer you I prefer actually it goes straight to the President he can release these files without the Senate act. Sometimes it can take a long time to get things done. The House figured out a way to take four months to get this done. I think it's disrespectful to the survivors if they delay this. There's nothing more important than cleaning out the rot in this country. And this is rot. And it's not a partisan issue. And the senators need to get on this. Yes, the economy's important, important, yes, international policy is important. But there's nothing more important than getting this rotten. Speaking it out. They should put it at the top of their agenda. And Congressman, why do you think the President, why do you think that would.
- [66:28]
B
Allow the DOJ to not release certain information if it would jeopardize an active investigation? And the president just last week ordered his DOJ to conduct an investigation. What makes you think you would actually, if this bill passes, see these files that the public would see that there.
- [66:41]
A
Are, are thousand survivors. They can't open enough investigations to cover up everything that's in these files. And yes, it's true they can try to protect a few certain people or a few certain companies, but those investigations will eventually end. And in the meantime, they just. There's not enough investigations to cover up a thousand different crimes, a thousand different rapes, a thousand different sex trafficking instances. And this is not a move point, even though they are doing that. And why do you think once the bill is signed into law, any career official at the DOJ or the FBI who does not comply with the law is at legal risk. It's no longer just up to the President, but the president could do, could have, we could have passed a simple resolution here in the House and that would have been the end of it. Instead, we chose a very hard pass, which is to get legislation, a law passed, which means it has to go through the House, the Senate and be presented to the President. And that will have the force of law. They will be breaking the law if they do not release these files. But why do you think the president has fought so hard to block the release of these files? Why do you think he has fought so hard? If he could do it now, why hasn't he done it now? I, I believe he's trying to protect friends and donors. And by the way, these aren't necessarily Republicans. We should get to a billion dollars. You transcend parties. You just assume you can pay off whatever party is in charge of the White House, whatever party is in charge of the House of Representatives. And this is about those kinds of people. I think he's been trying to protect them. And I think it also incriminates our own government. This is a complete and total failure of the justice system as the survivors have witnessed here today to us it incriminates the FBI, it incriminates our intelligence agencies, it incriminates police departments in West Palm beach. And that's what has been protected by this either willfully or or unknowingly. And it's time to end it. I would agree with Representative Margaret Taylor Greene that what matters now is just the action. I don't speculate on what politicians motives are, what's in their heart. The point is the American people have spoken. Congress has spoken. Release the files. It's time for justice. Thank you very much. All right, thanks. Good to see you. All right. I'm sorry. Good to see you. Good to see you. All right, we're going to end our coverage now. That was live coverage up on Capitol Hill. See you next time.