Congress has overwhelmingly approved a bill that will force the Justice Department to release all files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sending the measure to President Donald Trump’s desk for final approval. The bipartisan vote, which passed the House 427-1 and the Senate by unanimous consent, marks a pivotal moment in the yearslong push for transparency and accountability surrounding Epstein’s crimes and the government’s handling of his case.
The Bill and Its Provisions
The legislation, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, mandates that the Justice Department release all files and communications related to Epstein within 30 days of the bill’s enactment. This includes information about the investigation into Epstein’s death in federal prison in 2019, as well as any documents concerning his network of associates and alleged enablers. The bill allows for the redaction of information that could identify victims or compromise ongoing investigations, but prohibits withholding material solely due to “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity”.
Political and Public Pressure
The bill’s passage comes after months of pressure from survivors, advocacy groups, and lawmakers demanding answers about Epstein’s abuse and the failures of law enforcement under multiple administrations. A small bipartisan group of House lawmakers introduced the bill in July, overcoming initial resistance from House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump, who had previously urged supporters to dismiss the effort as a “hoax.” However, mounting public scrutiny and bipartisan support ultimately led to the bill’s swift passage.
Reactions and Implications
The lone dissenting vote in the House came from Rep. Clay Higgins, a Louisiana Republican and staunch Trump ally, who argued that the bill could expose innocent people mentioned in the investigation. Despite this, the overwhelming support signals a rare moment of unity in Congress on an issue that has long divided political parties.
Survivors and advocates have hailed the bill as a critical step toward justice. “This is about accountability—not just for Epstein, but for the institutions that failed to protect victims,” said a spokesperson for the Epstein Survivors’ Network. The release of these files could also shed light on Epstein’s connections to powerful figures in politics, business, and entertainment, potentially leading to further legal and reputational consequences.
What’s Next
President Trump has indicated he will sign the bill, meaning the Justice Department will soon begin the process of releasing the files. The public and media will be closely watching for revelations about Epstein’s network, the circumstances of his death, and any evidence of institutional failures. For survivors and their families, the release of these documents represents a long-awaited opportunity for truth and closure.
