Trump to sign bill on Epstein files’ release

Republican from Georgia, argued the Epstein scandal is unlikely to end any time soon because it has resonated deeply with many Americans — including those in the MAGA movement — who feel disenfranchised from the powerful people who control the government.

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LISA PHILLIPS, an Epstein abuse survivor, speaks Tuesday at a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol.

(HEATHER DIEHL Getty Images)

“These American women aren't rich powerful elites,” Greene said in her speech. “These are your average Americans, and you want to know what the Epstein files represent? It represents the failures of the federal government and Congress.”

Speaking with reporters in the morning outside the Capitol, Greene also said, “The real test will be, will the Department of Justice release the files, or will it all remain tied up in investigations?”

Ahead of the votes, several Epstein abuse survivors urged lawmakers to support the release of the records. They gathered outside the Capitol as they made their emotional plea.

“It’s time that we put the political agendas and party affiliations to the side. This is a human issue, this is about children,” said one survivor, Haley Robson. “There is no place in society for exploitation, sexual crimes or exploitation of women in society.”

Republicans for months balked at calling for the release of the Epstein files, joining Trump in claiming the issue was being brought up by Democrats as a way to distract from Republicans’ legislative successes.

Some Republican lawmakers repeated those claims when debating the measure Tuesday, saying the vote was a “political show” led by Democrats who wanted to tarnish Trump's reputation.