"Pennsylvania legislators answer queries regarding the Epstein documents during telephone town hall meetings, emphasizing transparency"
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun the process of releasing records related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, following a subpoena issued by the House Oversight Committee in August 2025 [3]. The records are currently being reviewed and redacted to protect sensitive information before they are fully released.
In the midst of this development, Pennsylvania U.S. Representatives Scott Perry (R-PA) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) have expressed their support for full transparency and the release of the Epstein files.
Rep. Scott Perry has publicly stated that he has personally requested the DOJ to release the Epstein files and has called for a special prosecutor to investigate related issues. However, there are reports that he voted against releasing the files in at least one instance despite his verbal support on conservative media [2][4].
On the other hand, Rep. Mackenzie supports full transparency and wants the DOJ to release the files. He expressed that President Joe Biden should have released the files earlier, but now hopes President Donald Trump or Congress will compel release if not done voluntarily [2].
The push for transparency on the Epstein files is not just a political manoeuvre for the upcoming midterms, according to Rep. Lee. She stated that the impetus is that the American people have been calling for this for so long [1].
Meanwhile, Rep. Summer Lee, a Democrat representing the Pittsburgh area, introduced a motion to subpoena the Epstein files, which was approved by the House Oversight Committee with the support of three Republicans, including Perry [5].
The issue of the Epstein files is not limited to Pennsylvania, as Democrats are running ads about Epstein in swing House districts, including that of Brian Fitzpatrick, another Republican seen as vulnerable [6].
Political strategist Sam Chen believes that the responses of Republicans like Mackenzie suggest coordinated messaging designed to help vulnerable members during their recesses back in their home districts [7].
As the DOJ continues to release the Epstein files under congressional pressure, it remains to be seen how this will impact the upcoming midterms and the political positions of U.S. Representatives like Perry and Mackenzie, who represent swing districts [2].
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References:
- [Source 1]
- [Source 2]
- [Source 3]
- [Source 4]
- [Source 5]
- [Source 6]
- [Source 7]
- The ongoing release of Epstein records by the Department of Justice (DOJ) has sparked debates in the realm of policy-and-legislation, as U.S. Representatives like Scott Perry and Ryan Mackenzie advocate for transparency, while some question Perry's consistent support amidst vote discrepancies in the politics surrounding the issue.
- The Epstein records release, a topic in general-news, has also been linked to the crime-and-justice sector, as the push for transparency by representatives like Lee and the call for a special prosecutor by Perry adds another layer to the ongoing investigation.
