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Earlier this month, I sent a letter to Wyoming’s congressional delegation with a simple question: Do we want a justice system that protects children and restores trust, or one that protects secrets and power? I argued that Wyoming can lead with a victim-first standard on the Epstein files: protect survivor privacy completely, then release everything else that does not expose a victim or compromise an active case.

Here is the heart of what I asked for: A complete public index of all Epstein-related holdings at the Department of Justice and FBI, with clear reasons and expiration dates for anything withheld. A neutral redaction process, guided by a judge or special master, that protects survivors and applies the same rules to every name. Judicial review and firm deadlines for any document that remains sealed. A recorded vote on a clear transparency bill, with our delegation using every available procedural tool to secure that vote.

Since then, there has been real movement. As Sen. Cynthia Lummis noted in her letter to me today, the House Oversight Committee released more than 33,000 pages of Justice Department documents in September 2025, and Attorney General Pamela Bondi released a first phase of declassified FBI files in February 2025. These documents, including court filings, flight logs, and video from Epstein’s cell block, represent substantial progress in bringing transparency to this case.

Today, Nov. 17, 2025, I am sharing the full response I received from Lummis as follows:

Dear Jimmy:

Thank you for contacting me about the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and documents.

As you know, there have been significant developments in the release of Epstein-related documents. The House Oversight Committee released more than 33,000 pages of Justice Department documents from the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein in September 2025, and Attorney General Pamela Bondi released a first phase of declassified FBI files in February 2025 related to Epstein’s sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls. These releases have included court documents, flight records, and some videos, representing substantial progress in bringing transparency to this case.

Please be assured, I understand the courage it takes for victims and survivors to come forward, and I am committed to supporting efforts that prioritize their voices and seek justice. I understand your concerns about redactions and the protection of powerful individuals, and I believe that our justice system must apply equally to all people, regardless of their status or connections.

As Congress continues to exercise its oversight responsibilities, it is critical that we pursue accountability through appropriate channels and legal processes. I believe sunlight is the best disinfectant and transparency is key to the justice system. I will continue to push for the release of additional internal Justice Department memos and evidence that remains classified.

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That being said, I also recognize the complex legal and investigative considerations that often govern the release of sensitive documents, including ongoing investigations, victim privacy protections, and national security concerns. Any document releases must balance transparency with these legitimate legal constraints while ensuring that justice is served and victims are protected.

I appreciate you sharing your priorities with me. You can be sure that I will work hard in the United States Senate to support justice, transparency, and the protection of victims. I welcome the opportunity to communicate with you regarding issues impacting Wyoming. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I can ever be of any assistance.

Kind regards,
Cynthia M. Lummis United States Senator

I appreciate Lummis’s commitment to supporting efforts that prioritize the voices of victims and her affirmation that the law must apply equally to all people. Her support for further releases and the belief that “sunlight is the best disinfectant” are essential starting points in this fight for accountability.

Jimmy Skovgard lives in Mills and just welcomed his third granddaughter. He enjoys local events, listening and learning with neighbors. Every child deserves our highest care and protection, and that promise guides his writing on community, character, and how we look out for one another.

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