Content warning: This message references sexual assault and violence.

Yesterday my colleagues and I, in an 8-2 vote, forced the Oversight Committee to subpoena the Epstein files. This is a massive win for the public and for those victimized by Epstein who deserve transparency, accountability, and healing.

As a survivor of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, I know the pain and trauma that survivors carry. This is not a political game, and I do not arrive at this issue lightly. I think about my own experiences every single day, and I know that is true for every survivor. It is a life sentence.

Earlier this week, Speaker Johnson halted all bills on the House floor and is sending lawmakers home to avoid voting on the release of the Epstein files. There’s not a line Trump’s allies won’t cross to shield abusers and prevent the truth from coming out.

But this is about so much more than politics. We cannot lose sight of the people harmed in this situation — of the survivors who’ve been denied justice.

The people deserve to know why the Epstein files are still hidden and who is being protected.

Last night’s win was a step towards transparency and justice. I will never stop fighting for the truth, for justice, and for every survivor who has been silenced, dismissed, and harmed.

In Solidarity,

Ayanna