US Congress publishes 33,000 pages on Epstein case

A Republican-led committee in the US House of Representatives has published over 33,000 pages of documents on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Republicans hope this will stop a bipartisan initiative calling for full disclosure of all government files on the case.

The published materials mainly contain already known court records as well as videos and audio files from police investigations, some of which date back to 2005 and 2006. In one video, a 17-year-old anonymous witness reports that Epstein paid her $350 for sex and massages.

Representatives Thomas Massie (Republican) and Ro Khanna (Democrat) continue to demand the release of all non-classified files, including those from the FBI and federal prosecutors. A press conference with Epstein victims is planned.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Massie's motion was “poorly worded” and unnecessary, as the committee was already taking comprehensive action. Critics such as Democrat Jim McGovern accuse Republicans of primarily republishing material that is already public.

The Epstein case remains politically sensitive—according to polls, many Trump supporters believe that important information about the case is being deliberately withheld.

(reuters, est)