Congress Mandates Release of Epstein Files Amid Controversy

Wed Nov 19 2025 21:07:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a landmark vote, the US Congress has ordered the Department of Justice to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, following a push from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers despite opposition from some party leaders.

The US Congress has voted overwhelmingly to instruct the Department of Justice to make public the files concerning the late Jeffrey Epstein, a notorious sex offender. The House of Representatives passed the bill with a vote of 427-1, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed the Senate would agree to the measure promptly. President Trump, who has reversed his earlier opposition, is expected to sign the bill. Survivors of Epstein's abuse have praised the vote as a step toward justice, stressing that the release of these documents is crucial for accountability.

Both chambers of US Congress have agreed to order the US 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. The Senate is expected to pass the bill shortly after receiving it officially.

President Donald Trump must ultimately sign off on the measure, which he has indicated he will do after reversing his previous stance. He recently urged his fellow Republicans to support the disclosure of records following backlash from his supporters.

Survivors of Epstein spoke in support of the measure at the Capitol, with one survivor recounting years of ‘institutional betrayal’.

The “Epstein files” encompass a wide array of documents gathered during investigations into the financier, including interviews with victims, witnesses, and various items seized from his numerous properties.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned that the Senate would receive the bill from the House in the morning for immediate passage. Trump acknowledged the topic as a distraction but seemed to prioritize the release for public awareness.

Interestingly, Trump’s historical relationship with Epstein has garnered renewed scrutiny, particularly following the revelation of over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate that reference him and other prominent figures, albeit without implicating them in wrongdoing.

Trump's shift from opposing the release of the Epstein files to supporting it has surprised many in Washington, especially given the previous alignment of Republican leadership against the measure.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has vocally opposed the release, voted in favor of it, while Republican Clay Higgins was the only dissenter, voicing concern about potentially harming innocent individuals.

The rapid advancement of the bill through Congress came as a surprise, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer facilitating the prompt passage under unanimous consent.

The legislation mandates that Attorney General Pam Bondi release all unclassified records related to Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days after the bill is enacted, although certain information may still be withheld to protect ongoing investigations or victims’ identities.

Epstein’s death was ruled a suicide in 2019 while he awaited trial for sex trafficking. His history of previous convictions and the extensive documents compiled during investigations into his dealings with high-profile individuals continue to spark debate and concern over accountability.

Trump has denied any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and emphasized that inquiries into Epstein’s alleged connections to prominent figures seek to misrepresent certain individuals.

Sky Roberts, brother of Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre, commended her role in advocating for justice, stating, “She paved the way for us.”