US House and Senate Vote Overwhelmingly to Require Release of Epstein Files

In a rare show of near-unanimity, both chambers of Congress voted on Tuesday to force the Department of Justice to publicly release investigation files tied to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in federal custody in 2019. Only one lawmaker opposed the measure, underscoring the bipartisan push for transparency.

The legislation—formally known as the Epstein Transparency Act—advanced after House leaders bypassed standard procedures to bring it to an immediate vote. The rapid movement followed President Donald Trump’s sudden reversal on the issue, retreating from his previous stance that releasing Epstein-related records would support what he called a “Democrat hoax.”

How the Legislation Advanced

The House passed the bill by an overwhelming margin of 427–1. Within hours, the Senate took up the measure and unanimously voted to accelerate its approval. The speed reflected consistent pressure from survivors of Epstein’s abuse, who have spent months urging lawmakers to mandate the release of federal records connected to Epstein and his associates.

What Happens Now?

Because the Senate voted before officially receiving the bill from the House, the legislation will formally clear Congress on Wednesday. President Trump has publicly committed to signing it into law.

Once enacted, the Justice Department will have 30 days to release all files related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, his longtime associate who was convicted in connection with his trafficking operations.

However, the attorney general will be allowed to withhold certain information if its release poses a danger to minors involved in the case or risks undermining any ongoing investigations.

Why Congress Had to Act

Legally, a congressional vote was not required to reveal the documents—President Trump could have ordered the release himself. Instead, months of political tension and public pressure resulted in legislation designed to ensure that the documents are made available regardless of shifting political positions.

For survivors and their advocates, the bill represents a long-awaited step toward accountability and a fuller public understanding of Epstein’s network and the federal investigations surrounding him.

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