U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement after Senate Republicans voted against making the Epstein files public.
“The American people have asked for the truth about the Epstein files, but the Trump Administration has stalled, distracted, and fabricated falsehoods to prevent the release of the files. It’s about transparency in government and holding abusers accountable,” Durbin said. “The Epstein files must come to light, in a manner that protects survivors of his abuse—that’s why I joined my Democratic colleagues in voting in favor of releasing them.”
Durbin is a cosponsor of Senator Merkley’s proposed legislation, called the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The bill aims to provide full transparency to the public and accountability for anyone involved with Jeffrey Epstein. It also seeks justice for victims by including provisions to redact information protecting victims’ privacy and national security interests, while preventing redactions that are only for reputational or political reasons.
Durbin has repeatedly urged the Trump Administration to release these documents. He previously called on Attorney General Pam Bondi to act after an amendment passed unanimously in the Senate Appropriations Committee required preservation and reporting of all records related to investigations or prosecutions involving Jeffrey Epstein.
Amid conflicting reports from administration officials about where the files are located and what they contain, Durbin wrote letters to Attorney General Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino highlighting discrepancies tied to a July 7 Department of Justice memorandum and instructions reportedly given to FBI staff regarding records mentioning President Trump.
Durbin also requested more openness from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche following his meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell. In correspondence, Durbin asked that DOJ decisions regarding Maxwell’s Supreme Court appeal be fully disclosed to victims and survivors. He also sought assurances that DOJ would not offer Maxwell a pardon or commutation in exchange for cooperation or advocate for such action at the White House.
