The US Congress has passed bipartisan legislation compelling the Justice Department to release all unclassified documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, with the bill now sent to President Donald Trump for his signature after near-unanimous votes in both the House and Senate. This move aims to bring transparency to the long-standing investigation into the late financier’s sex trafficking network.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved the measure in a resounding 427-1 vote, with only Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana opposing it. The overwhelming support reflected months of advocacy from lawmakers across the aisle, who argued that the public deserves access to the full scope of Epstein’s activities and connections. The lone dissenter expressed concerns about potentially harming innocent individuals, but his stance was overshadowed by the bipartisan consensus.
Shortly after the House vote, the Senate acted swiftly, passing the bill on Wednesday through a unanimous consent procedure that required no debate or amendments. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer brought the measure to the floor, and with no objections, it was cleared for transmission to the White House. This rapid sequence underscored the political urgency and widespread backing for the legislation.
President Trump’s reversal on the issue was a key turning point. After initially opposing the release and aligning with Republican leadership against it, Trump abruptly changed course over the weekend, posting on social media that Republicans should vote for the bill and vowing to sign it. His shift surprised many in his party and was seen as an attempt to quell a growing revolt among rank-and-file members who demanded transparency.
The bill itself requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of enactment. This includes flight logs, internal Justice Department emails, and information on people and entities connected to Epstein, though provisions allow for redactions to protect victims’ identities and ongoing investigations.
Survivors of Epstein’s abuse played a crucial role in advocating for the legislation. At a news conference outside the Capitol, Annie Farmer and other survivors shared their stories, emphasizing the “institutional betrayal” they experienced and praising the courage of fellow survivor Virginia Giuffre, who died earlier this year. Their emotional appeals helped galvanize public and political support, framing the issue as a moral imperative.
Politically, the episode exposed divisions within the Republican Party, with figures like Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene championing the release despite initial resistance from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump’s eventual endorsement aimed to reclaim control and refocus on other priorities, but the saga has highlighted the power of grassroots pressure and the enduring impact of the Epstein case on American politics.
Looking ahead, the release of the Epstein files is poised to shed new light on the network of individuals involved, potentially implicating high-profile figures from various spheres. While the full implications remain uncertain, the legislation represents a significant victory for transparency advocates and survivors, setting the stage for a broader reckoning with the abuses uncovered in the investigation.
