Congress Passes Epstein Files Bill, Awaiting Trump's Signature

Wed Nov 19 2025 20:52:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic vote, the U.S. Congress has mandated the release of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, setting the stage for transparency in ongoing investigations. President Trump is expected to support the measure, which advocates say is crucial for justice.

The U.S. Congress has voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives approved the measure with a 427-1 vote, while the Senate is set to follow suit. President Trump has indicated he will sign the bill, which aims to shed light on Epstein's activities and facilitate justice for survivors. Amidst political tensions, the bill has garnered bipartisan support, despite a lone dissenting vote from Louisiana Republican Clay Higgins.

Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have agreed to order the U.S. Justice Department to release its files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure in a 427-1 vote, with the Senate indicating they would pass the bill soon.

President Donald Trump must ultimately sign off the measure, and he has suggested he will do so. Trump recently reversed his position, urging Republicans to support the disclosure of these records following pushback from many of his supporters.

Survivors of Epstein's abuse spoke in support of the measure at the U.S. Capitol, expressing feelings of 'institutional betrayal' after years of silence.

The 'Epstein files' refer to a vast trove of documents amassed during criminal investigations, including victim and witness interviews, along with materials seized from his properties.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated the Senate expects to receive the bill shortly, after which it will be sent to the President.

Trump, expressing that timing didn’t matter, used the situation as a distraction from his administration's past victories.

After lawmakers released 20,000 pages of documents tied to Epstein's estate mentioning various prominent figures, Trump's historical relationship with Epstein came into sharper focus.

Despite earlier resistance, some House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson, supported the release of the Epstein files, further complicating the GOP's ongoing struggle regarding the issue.

The measure was pushed forward by Republicans Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene, who faced backlash for their roles but stood firm in their advocacy for transparency.

As the bill moves forward, it will require the Attorney General to release all unclassified records related to Epstein within 30 days of signing, but it also provides grounds for withholding sensitive material that could jeopardize ongoing investigations.

Epstein died in a New York prison cell in 2019, ruled a suicide as he faced serious charges of sex trafficking.