Alford, Cleaver release statements on Epstein files vote; Senate approves resolution
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Two congressmen representing parts of Missouri have released statements about their votes to release the Epstein files.
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Raytown) and U.S. Rep. Emanuel (D-Kansas City) were among the 427 House members to vote Tuesday afternoon to compel the Justice Department to release files related to the investigation of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein killed himself while in jail, and his death has sparked speculation about which powerful figures knew about his crimes.
“On my last day as a television news anchor and from the very beginning of the Epstein Files saga, I’ve said the only thing that matters is the truth,” Alford said in a news release. “Time and again, I have advocated for any files in the Justice Department’s possession to be responsibly released, while protecting victims’ identities. Transparency is not a partisan issue — it’s a moral one.
“The public has a right to know who enabled these heinous acts, and we must ensure the full scope of Epstein’s criminal network is exposed. The Epstein case has cast a long shadow over our institutions and fueled distrust among Americans. By releasing the files, we can begin to restore faith in our justice system.”
Cleaver lamented House Republicans’ foot-dragging over releasing the files. He called on the Senate to immediately pass the bill, which came just a few hours later.
“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,” Cleaver said. “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.”
Only one House member, Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins, voted against releasing the files.
President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Epstein has been a source of speculation, had initially opposed the release of the files, but he reversed course over the weekend with a vote in the House looming.
The measure now heads to the president’s desk.