For nearly a year, public demands and the voices of Jeffrey Epstein’s sexual abuse survivors have pushed Congress to mostly set aside partisan politics and seek accountability. However, despite interviews with high-ranking officials, including a former president, lawmakers have little to show in terms of criminal accountability for Epstein’s crimes or a definitive acknowledgment of government failure.

Representative Ro Khanna from California, who proposed legislation to disclose Epstein case files, expressed to The Associated Press his frustration over the lack of investigations into individuals accused of abuse or financial crimes.

Lawmakers anticipated some answers during a transcribed interview with Pam Bondi, a former Justice Secretary under President Donald Trump. Instead, Bondi’s defense of Trump’s handling of the material and refusal to answer questions about the president left Democrats infuriated. Democrats criticized Republican representative James Comer for allowing government officials to evade tough congressional questioning.

For Epstein’s survivors, including several who traveled to Washington to confront Bondi, this was a frustrating turn. They argue that the chaotic release of Department of Justice files, complete with nude photos and personal information of potential victims, only exacerbated a broader criminal justice system’s failure to believe or protect them.

Annie Farmer stated, “The government’s refusal to acknowledge past failures has caused significant harm. From a justice or healing perspective, without acknowledgment, it’s challenging to move forward.”

Political Pressure for Accountability

The committee’s investigation has often crossed political lines, attracting bipartisan support to issue subpoenas and compel testimonies. Besides Bondi, lawmakers interviewed former Democratic President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Trump’s Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

This effort shows a willingness among legislators to cross party lines under overwhelming public pressure. Epstein, a wealthy financier, faced accusations of sexual abuse and rape, even after reaching a plea deal in 2008 to close a federal investigation by pleading guilty to state charges in Florida.

The case captured public attention as an instance of how the rich and powerful escape accountability. Lawmakers revisited the issue last year after the government failed to provide transparency on the case.

Different Standards Across Continents?

While the U.S.-based investigation was relatively restrained, European countries like the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Slovakia saw top government figures resign over Epstein connections.

The House committee spoke with key Epstein associates, including former financial client Les Wexner, lawyer Darren Indyke, and accountant Richard Kahn. The Clintons, Lutnick, and others also testified.

Despite this, the release of Epstein’s files had consequences. At least eight American academics and business figures were removed from power, like former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, who stopped teaching at Harvard, and Kathy Ruemmler, who left her role at Goldman Sachs. Bank of America and Epstein’s heirs reached multimillion-dollar settlements with women accusing the institutions of facilitating the financier’s sex trafficking operations.

Republican legislator James Comer revealed that names of three alleged abusers emerged in an interview with Epstein’s former personal assistant Sarah Kellen. He plans to interview Bill Gates, private equity investor Leon Black, former Barclays Bank CEO Jes Staley, and Ruemmler.

“The government has failed survivors, undoubtedly,” Comer acknowledged. “We aim to connect the dots and see if there’s a way to hold individuals accountable.”

Lawmakers found it painful that figures like former British Prince Andrew have faced consequences, while the U.S. Department of Justice repeatedly tries to move past the issue.

Representative Melanie Stansbury pointed out that many case files remain unpublished, as the Justice Department argues they are duplicates or illegal to disclose.

Will Survivors’ Voices be Heard?

Scattered across the country and busy with their lives, Epstein’s abuse survivors have repeatedly traveled to Washington to push for action. Despite years of court battles and private storytelling, their quest for accountability grows stronger.

Annie Farmer described it as exhausting, though noting a broader cultural shift to address sexual predation.

Marina Lacerda, another survivor, stated, “Accountability is tough, but we aim to save the next generation.”

Survivors also wish for their stories to be acknowledged. Some spoke near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in a House committee hearing organized by Democrats. For many, returning to South Florida offered a chance to finally be heard.

Jena-Lisa Jones shared with an audience that Epstein abused her at 14 in Palm Beach.

“Find a way to close the chapter on Jeffrey Epstein, so survivors and this country can move forward, and hopefully soon, this name will no longer haunt our daily lives,” she pleaded with lawmakers.