“Release the Files”: RAINN Shares Full Statements on Epstein Files Vote

The effort to release the remaining federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein marks a turning point for survivors who have waited decades for transparency. In recent days, both chambers of Congress have taken notable bipartisan steps toward enacting the Epstein Files Transparency Act. 

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, RAINN issued three statements: a 6:12 p.m. press release following passage of H.R. 4405, a 4:56 p.m. letter to the U.S. Senate, and an 11:40 a.m. letter to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Each reflects a consistent message: survivors deserve truth, public trust depends on accountability, and transparency is essential to preventing future harm. 

Below, you’ll find all three statements in full.

6:12 p.m. – For Immediate Release: House & Senate Pass Epstein Files Transparency Act

“An Unprecedented Day for Survivors”

Washington, D.C. (Tuesday, November 18) – Today, H.R. 4405 was passed in the House and Senate and is expected to go to President Trump’s desk for signature as swiftly as tonight. Once enacted, the law will go into effect, and the Attorney General will have 30 days to release the documents.

RAINN president and founder Scott Berkowitz reacted to the passage: 

“This was an unprecedented day for survivors of sexual violence—survivors of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. After years of effort, they got to see Congress vote YES in favor of transparency and truth. 

“While it took too long to get to this point, we are impressed by the speed at which Congress moved today. Our message now is simply: Mr. President, please sign it into law and let’s get the answers that survivors, and all Americans, deserve.” 

RAINN called upon Congress and then the Senate to release the files.

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4:56 p.m. – RAINN’s Letter to the Senate

November 18, 2025

Dear Members of the U.S. Senate,

For more than 30 years, RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, has supported over five million rape and abuse survivors and their loved ones. In that time, one fact has emerged as undeniable: the majority of people contacting our National Sexual Assault Hotline are reaching out about child sexual abuse. Some of them are adults who were harmed as children; many of them are still children today. 

Childhood sexual abuse can shape the course of a person’s life, altering their sense of safety, trust, and self. For more than 30 years, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, many of whom were children at the time, have been left waiting for answers. 

The House of Representatives has nearly unanimously approved H.R. 4405, with a vote of 427-1.

This significant bipartisan vote reflects a strong commitment to transparency and accountability concerning this case. The bill mandates that the Justice Department make these files public, and we urge the Senate to swiftly bring it to the floor for a vote and support the full release of all documents related to Epstein (with appropriate redactions to protect the privacy of survivors). 

Every day, survivors trying to navigate life after abuse come to RAINN to be believed and, for many, to find out how to achieve justice and accountability. Their stories should remind us that transparency and truth are not political; they are the foundations of healing, justice, and prevention of future harm.

When information remains hidden, it rewards the silence of perpetrators and reinforces the shame survivors have fought to overcome. Transparency is the most powerful antidote to the erosion of faith in our public institutions. It is also a crucial step in preventing future abuse. By allowing the facts to come to light, Congress can take a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and honoring the survivors who have waited decades for truth. 

Passing H.R.4405 and releasing all government-held Epstein files will help restore trust, strengthen accountability, and allow the facts to stand on their own. 

Adult survivors and voters across the country are watching. So are our nation’s children, many of whom are fearful about the reaction if they come forward about the abuse they’re currently experiencing. 

We know that releasing these files will lead more survivors to seek support, and RAINN is ready to meet that need. We ask that our leaders also rise to meet the need for the kind of healing only they can provide: access to the truth. 

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to protecting children, supporting survivors of abuse, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities by upholding the values that make justice possible. We stand ready to support your work in this effort and to continue serving the survivors who rely on us every day.

Sincerely,

Scott Berkowitz
President of RAINN

11:40 a.m. – RAINN’s Letter to Congress

November 18, 2025

Dear Members of Congress,

For more than 30 years, RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, has supported over five million rape and abuse survivors and their loved ones. In that time, one fact has emerged as undeniable: the majority of people contacting our National Sexual Assault Hotline are reaching out about child sexual abuse. Some of them are adults who were harmed as children; many of them are still children today. 

Childhood sexual abuse can shape the course of a person’s life, altering their sense of safety, trust, and self. For more than 30 years, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, many of whom were children at the time, have been left waiting for answers. 

Thanks to extensive FBI and grand jury investigations, the federal government has those answers. Now all that is left is to share them with these survivors—and the American people. 

We urge Congress to support the full release of all documents related to Epstein (with appropriate redactions to protect the privacy of survivors). 

Every day, survivors trying to navigate life after abuse come to RAINN to be believed and, for many, to find out how to achieve justice and accountability. Their stories should remind us that transparency and truth are not political; they are the foundations of healing, justice, and prevention of future harm.

When information remains hidden, it rewards the silence of perpetrators and reinforces the shame survivors have fought to overcome. Transparency is the most powerful antidote to the erosion of faith in our public institutions. It is also a crucial step in preventing future abuse. By allowing the facts to come to light, Congress can take a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and honoring the survivors who have waited decades for truth. 

Releasing all government-held Epstein files will help restore trust, strengthen accountability, and allow the facts to stand on their own. 

Adult survivors and voters across the country are watching. So are our nation’s children, many of whom are fearful about the reaction if they come forward about the abuse they’re currently experiencing. 

Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to protecting children, supporting survivors of abuse, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities by upholding the values that make justice possible. We stand ready to support your work in this effort and to continue serving the survivors who rely on us every day.

Sincerely,

Scott Berkowitz
President of RAINN

About RAINN

As the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and operator of the National Sexual Assault Hotline, RAINN’s mission is to stop sexual violence by supporting survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and creating safer communities. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673), chat at RAINN.org/hotline, or text “HOPE” to 64673.  

Media Contact:
Jennifer Simmons Kaleba
media@rainn.org