Congress Moves Forward with Epstein Files Bill, Trump Expected to Sign

Wed Nov 19 2025 22:14:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Congress has voted overwhelmingly to release the files related to Jeffrey Epstein as survivors demand justice. The measure now awaits President Trump’s signature, with significant implications for the investigation surrounding the late sex offender.

In a decisive 427-1 vote, the House of Representatives has passed a bill mandating the release of the Justice Department's files on Jeffrey Epstein. The measure is expected to be expedited through the Senate before being sent to President Trump for approval. Survivors of Epstein have advocated strongly for this legislation, calling for transparency after years of perceived institutional betrayal.

Both chambers of the U.S. Congress have agreed to order the U.S. justice department to release its files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure in a 427-1 vote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the Senate intends to pass the bill soon after receiving it.

President Donald Trump must ultimately sign off on the measure, which he has indicated he will do. He has recently changed his stance, encouraging fellow Republicans to support the release in light of pushback from his supporters.

Survivors of Epstein spoke in support of the measure at the U.S. Capitol, expressing feelings of institutional betrayal over the years.

The Epstein files refer to a vast collection of documents accumulated during investigations into Epstein, including interviews with victims and evidence collected from property raids.

While the House vote was swift, the timeline for the Senate's action was also advanced, with a potential passing expected shortly.

The legislation mandates that all unclassified records related to Epstein and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell are to be released no later than 30 days after President Trump’s signature.

Despite the strong bipartisan support for the measure, there remains concern about possible obstructions to the release, as Attorney General Pam Bondi has the discretion to withhold information tied to active investigations or that could endanger victims.

Trump’s historical ties to Epstein have resurfaced in public discourse, particularly after the recent release of over 20,000 pages of documents mentioning Trump without implicating him in any wrongdoing.

Criticism of Trump’s previous position against the release has led to unexpected divisions within the Republican congressional leadership, who had aligned against the measure before shifting their stances after the strong House vote.

Only one lawmaker, Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana, voted against the bill, citing concerns over potential harm to innocent people.

The push for the bill was led by Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna, both of whom champion transparency for Epstein's survivors.

Speaking after the vote, Epstein survivor Annie Farmer emphasized the need for proper investigations to prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals.