Government studies and investigations

HRES 668: Directing the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to continue its ongoing investigation into the possible mismanagement of the Federal government’s investigation of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell, and for other purposes.

This resolution directs the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform to continue its investigation into the federal government’s investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and to release to the public committee records relating to the committee’s investigation, subject to limited exceptions.

Under the resolution, the committee records to be publicly disclosed include unclassified records referring or relating to Epstein’s detention and death; flight logs of aircraft owned or used by Epstein; individuals named in connection with Epstein’s criminal activities, civil settlements, or immunity or plea agreements; immunity deals, sealed settlements, or plea bargains of Epstein or his associates; entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal Department of Justice communications concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.

The resolution provides that the committee may withhold or redact portions of records with written justification that such portions contain (1) victims’ personally identifiable information; (2) child sexual abuse materials; (3) images of death, physical abuse, or injury; (4) information which would jeopardize an active federal investigation or prosecution; or (5) classified information. The committee may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.

The resolution states support for the committee’s subpoenas and investigatory actions and encourages timely compliance with them. Additionally, the committee shall issue investigative reports as it deems necessary.

HRES 605: Establishing the Select Subcommittee to Investigate the Remaining Questions Surrounding January 6, 2021.

This resolution establishes a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary called the Select Subcommittee to Investigate the Remaining Questions Surrounding January 6, 2021. 

The select subcommittee shall be composed of not more than eight Members, Delegates, or the Resident Commissioner appointed by the Speaker of the House, of whom not more than three shall be appointed in consultation with the minority leader. 

The resolution authorizes and directs the select subcommittee to conduct a full and complete investigation and study and issue a final report of the events surrounding January 6, 2021.

The resolution authorizes the chair of the select subcommittee to receive information available to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; to extend certain periods for questioning witnesses; and to use depositions, subpoenas, and interrogatories to collect information. The select subcommittee may not hold a markup of legislation.

The select subcommittee’s final report shall be submitted to the Committee on the Judiciary by December 31, 2026. The select subcommittee terminates 30 days after filing the final report or on the last day of the 119th Congress, whichever comes first. 

HR 4323: Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025

Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025

This bill establishes a process to vacate convictions and expunge arrest records for certain criminal offenses committed by victims of human trafficking that directly result from or relate to having been a trafficking victim.

It defines the offenses eligible to be vacated or expunged and sets forth procedures for filing a motion.

The Government Accountability Office must assess the impact of this process, including the number of human trafficking survivors who file motions to vacate convictions or expunge records.

The bill permits certain grants for legal representation to be used to seek post-conviction relief.

Finally, the bill allows a defendant to establish that the offenses were committed under duress by demonstrating that he or she was a victim of human trafficking at the time of the offense.