Letters

David M. Brodsky’s partisan letter [“Owed Full Truth,” Letters, November 27] is built on incorrect assumptions and ignores key facts about both the Jeffrey Epstein case and my record.

First, as a father of three daughters, I voted yes to release the Epstein files because the full network must be exposed, and every victim deserves justice.

A discharge petition is one procedural option, but it is not what releases files; only a vote of the House does that. When a bill came to the floor that would force disclosure, I supported it without hesitation. My position did not “change” based on anyone else’s statements — it has been consistent throughout: transparency, accountability and justice for victims must come first.

Second, it is wrong to claim that President Donald Trump has resisted transparency. In recent months, he directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to restart a renewed federal investigation into Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and their broader network — the first administration to do so since Epstein’s death. By contrast, during the four years of the Biden administration, not a single Epstein file was released, and not one new individual connected to Epstein’s crimes was indicted. And when Democrats held total control of Washington, D.C., in 2021 and 2022, they held no hearings, released no documents, and advanced no legislation to uncover the network. That was a major missed opportunity for accountability.

Third, Mr. Brodsky’s effort to present himself as a neutral observer does not align with publicly available facts. A search of the Federal Election Commission’s website shows that an individual with his exact name and from his hamlet has, since 2021, made 77 contributions of $500 or more — totaling $62,850 — exclusively to Democratic candidates and causes, including my 2022 opponent. His silence during the years when Democrats controlled Congress and the White House and did nothing on Epstein, coupled with his sudden criticism now that President Trump has returned to the White House, makes the political nature of his letter unmistakable.

Fourth, while the president does have authority to release certain materials without legislation, congressional action still matters. A statute creates a bipartisan, durable mandate for disclosure that survives any administration and ensures that victims, innocent individuals and active investigations are protected — including removing child sex abuse material — while still compelling the broadest possible transparency.

Finally, the bill’s narrow exception for active investigations is not a “safe harbor” to hide information. It is designed to avoid collapsing ongoing cases or exposing victims. The expectation is clear: The Department of Justice should release every file that can safely be disclosed. Transparency does not require recklessness.

My position remains unchanged: Every single person involved in Epstein’s crimes — no matter how wealthy or well-connected — must be held accountable. No excuses. No exceptions.

Nick LaLota

U.S. Representative

1st District