48:11Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, displayed a childhood picture of herself during a press briefing concerning the Epstein Files Transparency Act, held near the U.S. Capitol on November 18, 2025, in Washington, DC.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
A collection of women, harmed by the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, voiced their opinions at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, prior to an eagerly awaited vote on a House measure mandating the disclosure of the Justice Department's documents on Epstein.
"We are advocating for the children," declared survivor Haley Robson, while presenting a photo of her younger self.
Numerous women similarly showcased photos of themselves during their childhood and adolescence as they recounted tales of the maltreatment they assert they endured from Epstein and his co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell.
Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, speaks at a news conference with legislators concerning the Epstein Files Transparency Act, situated outside the U.S. Capitol on November 18, 2025, in Washington, DC.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Robson characterized this as a "human matter" and urged that political agendas be disregarded before conveying a direct message to President Donald Trump.
"And to the president of the United States of America, who is not present today, I wish to send a straightforward message. Although I do comprehend that your stance has evolved regarding the Epstein files, and I am appreciative that you have vowed to sign this legislative piece, I cannot help but be dubious of the underlying intentions. Therefore, with that in mind, I wish to communicate this to you: I am traumatized. I am not unintelligent."
"You have subjected us to immense distress, the lockdown, the cessation of these procedures that were intended to occur 50 days prior, the Adelita Grijalva who awaited her official induction, and then became frustrated when your own political affiliation opposes you, because the actions being undertaken are improper," Robson articulated. "It is not just. For your own self-serving objectives. This is America. This is the land of the free, the land of the free."
"I do not experience liberation today," Robson appended, before she implored each member of Congress to "side with the survivors, side with the children."
Haley Robson, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, displayed a childhood picture of herself during a press briefing concerning the Epstein Files Transparency Act, held near the U.S. Capitol on November 18, 2025, in Washington, DC.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
Robson expressed gratitude to Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna and Republican Reps. Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene for endorsing the measure, despite political opposition.
Another survivor, Jena-Lisa Jones, also directly addressed Trump and voiced disapproval of his administration's handling of the Epstein situation.
"I implore you, President Trump, please refrain from politicizing this. It is not about you, President Trump. You are our president. Please begin to behave accordingly. Display some decorum, exhibit some genuine leadership, demonstrate that you genuinely care about individuals besides yourself. I cast my ballot for you, but your conduct on this matter has been a source of national shame," Jones stated.
Teresa Helm expressed her desire to be present on the day Trump endorses the bill, should it successfully pass both the House and Senate.
"I am certain that all of us would desire to be there," she commented.
Sky Roberts, brother of Virginia Giuffre, who was abused by Jeffrey Epstein, and his wife Amanda Roberts hold up a photo of Giuffre during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 18, 2025 in Washington.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Sky Roberts presented a photograph of his sister, Virginia Roberts Guiffre, a notable accuser of Epstein who tragically ended her life earlier in the year. Roberts spoke with intermittent tears as he recounted his sister’s legacy and entreated Congress to take decisive action.
"My sister is not a mere political instrument for your exploitation. These survivors are not political pawns for your utilization. These constitute genuine narratives, authentic trauma, and it is imperative for you to cease mere verbalization and commence action. Affirmative voting is crucial," Roberts asserted.
Rep. Thomas Massie speaks alongside Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol, November 18, 2025 in Washington.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
Several survivors censured the politicization surrounding the Epstein documents.
"None of us here enlisted for this political strife. We never solicited to be drawn into conflicts among individuals who never safeguarded us initially. We are weary from enduring the trauma and then navigating the politics that envelop it," stated survivor Wendy Avis.
"This does not concern a limited number of corrupt Democrats or a handful of corrupt Republicans. This represents a situation of systemic betrayal. Given that these offenses were not adequately investigated, a significantly greater number of girls and women suffered harm," conveyed Annie Farmer.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
