Congress Greenlights Release of Epstein Files
The long-sealed Jeffrey Epstein records are now set to become public after Congress passed the Epstein Transparency Act with overwhelming bipartisan backing.
House Delivers Rare Near-Unanimous Vote
On November 18, the House approved the bill in a sweeping vote. Only one member—Republican Rep. Clay Higgins—voted against it.
The legislation requires the Justice Department to release its files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After passing 427–1, the measure moved swiftly to the Senate.
Senate Signs Off Within Hours
Just hours later, the Senate passed the bill without adding amendments. This happened despite House Speaker Mike Johnson previously pushing for changes—an effort he dropped once President Donald Trump said he would sign the bill as soon as it reached his desk.
What the Act Demands
Under the Epstein Transparency Act, Attorney General Pam Bondi must make public all “unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein that are currently in the Justice Department’s possession.
Certain information will be redacted, including:
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Names and identifying details of victims
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Any content involving or depicting child sexual abuse
What Comes Next
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said amendments were unnecessary, stating:
“When a bill passes the House 427 to one and the president said he’ll sign it into law, I’m not sure there’s going to be a need for an amendment.”
Once President Trump signs the measure, the Justice Department will have 30 days to release the files.
A Long Fight for Transparency
Pressure to release the Epstein records has been building for months. Every Democrat signed the disclosure petition, along with Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert. Yet the effort stalled until Tuesday’s dramatic vote.
In September, Trump dismissed the petition as a “Democrat Hoax”—the same day Epstein survivors visited Capitol Hill calling for accountability and transparency.
Trump’s Reversal and Ongoing Attention
As the vote neared, Trump shifted his stance. On Truth Social, he wrote that he didn’t care when the Senate passed the bill and confirmed he would sign it.
Trump has faced scrutiny for years over alleged connections to Epstein—claims he has consistently and firmly denied.