Congress Clears the Way for Epstein Files to Be Released

The Epstein files can now be released to the public after Congress approved the Epstein Transparency Act. Both chambers passed the bill with overwhelming support.

House Passes the Bill With Near-Unanimous Support

Lawmakers voted on November 18 and delivered a rare bipartisan victory. The bill won almost unanimous support in the House, with only one lawmaker—GOP Rep. Clay Higgins—voting against it.
The measure orders the release of the Justice Department’s files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. After passing 427–1, the bill moved quickly to the Senate.

Senate Approval Follows Within Hours

The Senate passed the bill the same day, choosing not to adopt any amendments. This came despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s earlier push for changes—an effort he abandoned after President Donald Trump announced he would sign the bill if it reached his desk.

What the Bill Requires

Under the Epstein Transparency Act, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all “unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein that the Justice Department possesses.
However, the release will include redactions. Victims’ names and identifying details will be removed, along with any content that depicts or contains child sexual abuse material.

Next Steps

Senate Majority Leader John Thune noted on Tuesday that amendments were unnecessary, saying, “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.”
The bill now sits on the president’s desk. Once signed, the Justice Department will have 30 days to release the files.

Long Push for Public Disclosure

A campaign to release the Epstein files has been underway for months. Every Democrat signed the petition, along with Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert. Even so, efforts stalled until Tuesday’s vote.
Trump had dismissed the petition as a “Democrat Hoax” in September—the same day Epstein survivors visited Capitol Hill to plead for transparency.

Trump’s Shift and the Ongoing Scrutiny

As the vote approached, Trump reversed course. On Truth Social he wrote, “I don’t care when the Senate passes the House Bill, whether tonight, or at some other time in the near future.” He also confirmed he would sign the measure.
Trump has long faced scrutiny over alleged ties to Epstein—accusations he has repeatedly and firmly denied.