Florida lawmakers say vote to release Jeffrey Epstein files delivers long overdue justice for victims

The House has formally voted to release all files connected to the investigation of dead Palm Beach sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, and a vote in the Senate may come soon.

In the House, all members of Florida’s congressional delegation supported the bill, which was forced to the floor though a discharge petition and then passed on a 427-1 vote. From both sides of the aisle, Florida lawmakers said transparency might provide the justice denied when Epstein died from suicide while in federal custody.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican, posted his reasoning.

“I fully support complete transparency regarding the Epstein files and unwavering justice for the victims. No individual, regardless of wealth, power, position, or political party, should ever be shielded from accountability,” he wrote.

“The victims, and the American people, deserve nothing less than the full truth. That is why I proudly voted yes today on legislation to ensure that all related files are released to the public, while redacting the names of victims who have requested privacy.  My priority throughout this entire issue has been delivering justice while protecting those who were harmed. After meeting with a group of Epstein survivors last week, I am more confident than ever that this legislation is a critical step toward achieving that goal.”

Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor released a video message, blaming President Donald Trump’s Justice Department for dragging out the release.

“This comes after many months of obstruction by President Trump and House Republicans. They kept the House adjourned for over seven weeks to make sure that this vote didn’t come up. Trump and the Republicans have been working overtime to cover this up, and we’re not going to let them because it’s past time for accountability and justice for the Epstein victims and the survivors,” she said.

“Last August, the Oversight Committee here in the House voted to subpoena all of the records in the possession of the Department of Justice but Trump has refused. They blocked it every step of the way. That’s why it’s important to pass a discharge petition that reinforces a subpoena. But here’s the difference, too. We pass a discharge petition and it passes through the Senate. Those files have to be released to the public, not just to congressional committees.”

U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, defended the House process. But he voiced some of Speaker Mike Johnson’s concerns about the need to redact certain information.

“The House took an important step today to bring long overdue transparency to the Jeffrey Epstein atrocities. The public deserves to understand how he operated for so many years without being held fully accountable. No one, regardless of status or power, should ever be shielded from justice,” he said. “Releasing these records must be done carefully to uphold due process and protect victims. This bill moves us toward that goal by requiring broad disclosure while allowing limited redactions for victim privacy, national security and active investigations.

“However, additional refinement is needed to address lingering concerns about victim protection, treatment of unproven allegations and the risk of exposing sensitive investigative information. I urge the Senate to strengthen these provisions as it takes up the measure and expect agencies to use every available tool to ensure victims’ identities are not disclosed except where required by law. Full transparency is necessary to expose any abuse of power involved. With House passage of this bill, we are one step closer to bringing clarity to a case shrouded in secrecy for far too long.”

South Florida lawmakers vowed that the release will happen soon.

“I voted yes to release the Epstein files. The American people deserve full transparency and have a right to know the truth,” said U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, a Miami-Dade Republican. “It’s time to put this issue to rest once and for all so we can get back to governing and delivering real results for the American people.”

Added U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, a Hialeah Republican: “House GOP have led the charge. Under Chairman Rep. James Comer’s leadership, the House Oversight Committee has released over 65,000 pages of documents, subpoenaed key players, and demanded full disclosure from the DOJ — while protecting the victims. This bill, while flawed, continues to deliver on transparency and justice for victims, and today’s vote continues ongoing efforts to hold offenders accountable.”

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat who represents the area Epstein lived, has pushed for the release. She spoke on the floor about how Florida’s justice system let Epstein go largely unpunished for years of crimes against underage girls.

“The survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse were failed by a justice system that minimized their suffering,” she said, “and prosecutors who treated young girls as if they were criminals. That was wrong and I am here with my colleagues to promise this: We will get to the bottom of why the Epstein survivors were treated so badly. Who made those decisions and who were they protecting? No more secrecy. No more excuses. We all deserve the truth, and I thank the survivors for their courage and perseverance. Your voices are being heard.”

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, a Coral Gables Republican, also praised victims for speaking out for years.

“Ahead of the House vote, I met with survivors of Epstein’s abuse, courageous women whose voices have been ignored for far too long,” she said. “Their strength is a reminder of why transparency and accountability must come first. No more secrets. No more protection for the powerful.”

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican, said it was important to unseal the records.

“The American people deserve the truth about Jeffrey Epstein’s horrific crimes and how he was able to evade justice for so long,” he said.

“Today’s vote was about full transparency, delivering answers and protecting the victims who were exploited and trafficked. The Epstein Files Transparency Act ensures unclassified records are released responsibly while safeguarding victims’ privacy. I’ve long fought to crack down on human trafficking and child exploitation, and I’ll continue doing everything I can to protect the most vulnerable.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, an Indian Harbour Beach Republican, echoed the sentiment.

“Today, I voted in favor of releasing the Epstein files because the American people deserve full transparency and accountability,” he posted.

“No exceptions, no special treatment. For too long, a cloud of secrecy has lingered over this topic, raising serious questions about who knew what and when. I also commend the House Oversight Committee for doing the work congressional Democrats should have done years ago to investigate the scumbag Epstein and his scumbag friends.”

U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican and former Sheriff, said it was important to scrutinize the legal process.

“Today, I voted on the House floor to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Sunlight is the best antiseptic. I believe these files must be released while also taking into account the importance of protecting innocent victims and guarding against innuendo,” he said. “This information has been kept from the American people for far too long. Release the files.”

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis put blame on the last Democratic administration for failing to release more information about the investigation.

“Today, I will be voting to release the Epstein files. This could have been done during the (Joe) Biden Administration, but they didn’t want these records out cause it will probably look bad for many of their friends,” he posted.

“So let the record reflect that President Trump once again is the most transparent public official to have ever stepped foot in the Oval Office. I hope this brings closure to the victims and their families — and I hope it brings accountability to any of monsters involved in these grotesque crimes.”

U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican, said as a new mother of daughter Auggie, the survivors’ stories were especially impactful.

“Many years from now, she will know she was part of the movement to release the Epstein files, but more importantly, take a stance against the pedophiles and the corruption and the absolute abuse of power of some of the most elite in the country,” Cammack said in a video message.