WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) released a statement following the House passage of legislation mandating complete transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein files, reiterating her commitment to victim protection and predator accountability.
“I have always supported full transparency when it comes to the Epstein files,” Congresswoman Houchin stated. She drew upon her previous experience, noting, “Before my time in Congress, I served as a case manager in child protective services and worked closely with victims of abuse. I have seen the trauma these children endure, and my focus has always been on protecting victims and holding predators fully accountable.”
Houchin stressed the need for thorough prosecution: “Anyone involved in these horrific crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The brave women who have come forward deserve justice.”
She added a message of reassurance for the victims as the files became public: “As these files are released, every victim must know that their safety and dignity come first and that their government is committed to protecting them, not the people who abused them.”
The effort Houchin referenced, requiring complete transparency surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files, is tied to documents from a civil lawsuit against Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. Following multiple court orders, these documents are being unsealed and released in batches.
The death of Jeffrey Epstein, an American financier and convicted sex offender, occurred on August 10, 2019. Guards claimed to have found Epstein unresponsive in his jail cell at 6:30 a.m. at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City, hanging off the side of his cell’s bed, where he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
The release of the files has begun, with the initial batches focusing on individuals identified in previously sealed depositions, testimonies, and exhibits. Further batches of documents are expected to be released by the court in the coming weeks and months, potentially revealing additional details and names associated with the Epstein circle.
The Congressional action Houchin supported aims to ensure that all relevant governmental and judicial records are ultimately made public, prioritizing accountability in the long term.
