U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned the outside witness panel on July 16 during a hearing for President Trump’s nominee to be Attorney General, Todd Blanche.
Durbin began by offering condolences to Jennifer Bos, an Illinois mother whose daughter Megan was found dead on the property of an undocumented immigrant. “Ms. Bos, it breaks my heart to hear the story of you and the loss of your daughter. I just want to say my heart goes out to you and to your husband. Carrying on for her and for your granddaughter is the greatest tribute you can give her, I am sure,” Durbin said, “I am sorry you went through this terrible tragedy.”
He then addressed Dani Bensky, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse whose personal information was included in released files despite efforts to have it redacted by the Justice Department. “Ms. Bensky, it is hard to imagine that this government kept publishing your personal information. Did anyone notify them of this breach of privacy?” Durbin asked.
Bensky responded that they notified the Justice Department “immediately” and before document release occurred. She said hundreds of victims were exposed due to what she described as Blanche’s mishandling of file releases: survivors lost jobs, confidentiality, and privacy.
During a previous hearing, Durbin pressed Blanche about meeting with Epstein survivors within 30 days; Blanche did not commit but had met with Ghislaine Maxwell over two days in July 2025. “I don’t understand how this [Acting] Attorney General can find 48 hours to visit with Ghislane Maxwell…and can’t find 30 minutes to meet with the survivors,” Durbin said.
Bensky stated that many survivors wanted such a meeting: “It is ‘not for a lack of trying’ and that ‘many of us in this room would be interested in meeting with him today.’” She further commented on perceived priorities: “It appears from the outside reputational harm…He prioritizes the reputation of the administration over survivors.” Bensky concluded by urging committee members to set aside politics regarding these issues.
The Senate Judiciary Committee serves as a standing committee based in Washington D.C., overseeing judicial nominations and federal law enforcement while influencing civil rights protections nationwide through legislative responsibilities according to its official website.