House Democrats say they will continue investigating Jeffrey Epstein when they take control of the chamber, arguing that voters want accountability for the powerful people and institutions connected to the late convicted sex offender.

Their plans follow a Republican report released Tuesday that sought to conclude the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s 15-month inquiry. Incoming committee chair Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) dismissed the report as the product of an incomplete investigation with no public hearings. He accused the Justice Department of illegally withholding more than 2.5 million pages of documents.

“Our work is just getting started,” Garcia said. He pledged public hearings featuring survivors and questioning of prominent men associated with Epstein, including President Donald Trump.

Democrats are considering recalling witnesses to testify under oath and subpoenaing banks that financed Epstein. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) identified Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan Chase as among the institutions that warrant scrutiny. Lawmakers also expect to seek testimony from Attorney General Todd Blanche, who oversaw the release of Epstein files as deputy attorney general.

The party faces competing demands, however. A recent POLITICO Poll found that 71% of Democratic midterm voters, when forced to choose, preferred the party prioritize lowering the cost of living, while 25% favored continuing the Epstein investigation. Some Democrats worry their leadership will find investigations easier than passing legislation with Trump in the White House.

Trump has denied wrongdoing related to Epstein, and no evidence has suggested he participated in Epstein’s crimes. Incoming Judiciary Chair Jamie Raskin nevertheless called in a late-October report for a special counsel to investigate allegations that Trump sexually assaulted women in Epstein’s orbit. Republicans accused Democrats of focusing on Trump instead of the broader institutional failures that enabled Epstein’s abuse.

Oversight Committee member Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said the inquiry could inform legislation to prevent future abuse. Fellow panel member Rep. Emily Randall (D-Wash.) said constituents, including survivors of abuse, had told her the investigation gave them a sense of justice.

Democrats also say they are awaiting the full release of documents required under a law Congress passed nearly unanimously on Nov. 19, 2025. Ansari said uncovering the full extent of Epstein’s network could take years.