Iowa Representative Faces Scrutiny Over Epstein-Linked Donations and Missed Votes
Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa is under scrutiny for accepting $90,000 from billionaire donors associated with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Moreover, her absences during key House votes related to Epstein’s investigation have raised questions about her commitment to supporting sexual assault survivors.
The missed votes occurred within the House Appropriations Committee, where Hinson is a member. Although her absences did not alter the outcomes, they have sparked concerns about her priorities.
Epstein, who died by suicide in a Manhattan jail following his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in August 2019, was the subject of several committee discussions in September 2025. During these sessions, Congress deliberated on releasing Justice Department documents related to Epstein’s case, which involved numerous young victims.
On September 3, 2025, Hinson missed two significant votes: one aimed at expediting the release of these files (vote details) and another designed to prevent the use of public funds for withholding visitor logs from Epstein’s properties and aircraft (vote details).
A week later, on September 10, 2025, Hinson was again absent during the committee’s consideration of various Epstein-related amendments to a federal funding bill. One such amendment sought to press the Justice Department for information on Ghislaine Maxwell’s prison transfer, Epstein’s long-time associate and accomplice.
Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Epstein’s criminal activities. Her transfer to a minimum-security facility in August 2025, following meetings with Trump administration officials, including future Attorney General Todd Blanche, was met with controversy.
Despite her absence for the Epstein-related votes, Hinson participated in other amendment votes on the same day in Washington, D.C. Among these was an amendment to restrict the Justice Department from using funds to withhold Epstein-related documents and another requiring the Attorney General to compile a comprehensive report on the investigation (amendment details).
On the same day as her absences, Hinson received campaign contributions from billionaire Stephen A. Schwarzman, frequently mentioned in Epstein’s files. Schwarzman donated $7,000 to Hinson’s Senate campaign and $5,000 to her leadership PAC.
Hinson initially refrained from forcing a House vote on the Epstein files’ release but eventually supported the measure when it came to a floor vote.
In August, another committee vote was missed by Hinson on an amendment designed to prevent public funds from being used to lift sanctions on alleged child traffickers.
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), who proposed the amendment, stated, “For too long, the powerful have used their connections to dodge consequences. This amendment stops taxpayer dollars from being used to lift sanctions on credible child traffickers.”
Hinson is currently campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat in Iowa against Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek. The race is anticipated to be one of the most competitive of 2026.
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