Rep. Nancy Mace suffered a “full blown panic attack” and abruptly left a closed-door meeting with Jeffrey Epstein victims on Capitol Hill, raising questions about lawmakers’ ability to handle the disturbing testimony needed to advance transparency legislation.
Story Highlights
- Nancy Mace experienced a panic attack during private meeting with Epstein survivors
- Bipartisan lawmakers are pushing the Epstein Files Transparency Act through a discharge petition
- Four Republicans have signed the petition, needing only two more to force a House vote
- DOJ contradicted earlier statements by claiming no “client list” exists
Mace’s Dramatic Exit Overshadows Survivor Testimony
Rep. Nancy Mace’s sudden departure from a closed-door meeting with Jeffrey Epstein victims has drawn attention away from the survivors’ powerful testimonies. The South Carolina Republican reportedly suffered what witnesses described as a “full blown panic attack” while listening to victim accounts during the Capitol Hill session. Her abrupt exit highlighted the intense emotional weight of the survivors’ stories and the challenging nature of confronting the scope of Epstein’s crimes.
Bipartisan Push for Transparency Gains Momentum
Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are spearheading a rare bipartisan effort to force release of government files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, introduced in July 2025, seeks to bypass House leadership resistance through a discharge petition. Massie declared “This press conference will change everything,” while Khanna emphasized standing “with survivors, against big money, to protect America’s children.” Their collaboration demonstrates how the demand for accountability transcends typical partisan divisions when constitutional transparency is at stake.
Congressional Leadership Stonewalling Transparency Efforts
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leadership have actively resisted the transparency initiative, sending members home for early recess after the bill’s introduction. The House Oversight Committee claims to be addressing the issue but faces criticism for lack of concrete action. This resistance pattern mirrors previous government attempts to shield powerful figures from accountability. Four Republicans have already signed the discharge petition, requiring only two more signatures to reach the 218 needed for a floor vote if all Democrats participate.
The DOJ’s shifting statements about Epstein files have fueled conservative suspicions about government cover-ups. In early July 2025, the Department contradicted previous assertions by claiming no “client list” exists, despite years of public statements suggesting otherwise. This reversal exemplifies the type of bureaucratic doublespeak that erodes public trust in federal institutions. The conflicting narratives reinforce concerns that the deep state continues protecting connected elites while ordinary Americans demand answers about potential crimes against children.
Survivors Demand Justice Despite Political Obstacles
Epstein survivor Liz Stein emphasized that “survivor voices are important” as victims united at the Capitol to demand accountability. The survivors’ Capitol Hill presence represents a powerful challenge to the political establishment’s preference for secrecy over justice. Their courage in confronting lawmakers directly contrasts sharply with the apparent inability of some representatives to handle disturbing testimony about crimes against children. The survivors’ advocacy highlights how government transparency serves not just public interest but fundamental justice for victims of trafficking.
Mace Left Victims Hearing in 'Full Blown Panic Attack' https://t.co/T3dEBrjkVD
— WhiteNoise🇺🇸HalB🇺🇸 (@ObsoleteAndSane) September 3, 2025
This bipartisan transparency effort represents exactly what Americans expect from their representatives: putting justice for victims above political convenience and party loyalty. The discharge petition mechanism allows rank-and-file members to bypass leadership obstruction, demonstrating how constitutional processes can still work when lawmakers prioritize accountability over establishment preferences.
Sources:
Democrats continue to demand release of Epstein files
Jeffrey Epstein survivors set to speak on Capitol Hill
