Rep. Cleaver’s Statement After Supporting Release of Epstein Files

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement after voting in favor of releasing the Epstein Files. Despite the Speaker’s months-long effort to block the bill from receiving a vote, the legislationmade it to the House Floor after every House Democrat and four House Republicans signed a discharge petition to force a vote.

“The crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and his associates were disgusting, deplorable, and devastatingly damaging to dozens, if not hundreds, of young and vulnerable girls across the country. While it is deeply disappointing that the president and the Speaker of the House fought to prevent this bill from ever coming to the House floor, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers came together to force a vote that will bring us another step closer toward providing justice to the victims and transparency to the American people.

“I was proud to vote for the bill and the disclosure of the Epstein Files in the hopes that it would provide closure to the survivors.

“However, this push for transparency does not end here. It is important that my colleagues in the Senate immediately pass this legislation to ensure it becomes law and the truth prevails.”

###

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.