Congress Overwhelmingly Approves Epstein Files Release Bill 427-1, Sending it to President's Desk

Washington D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on Tuesday to compel the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with a vote of 427-1. The measure quickly moved to the Senate, where it received unanimous consent for passage, clearing the path for President Donald Trump's signature. Representative Don Beyer, who had signed the discharge petition to force the vote, expressed strong support for the initiative.

"I signed the discharge petition to force this vote on releasing the Epstein files, which I strongly support," Rep. Beyer stated. He added that despite being ill, he "would've voted yes had my vote been needed for passage" and was "happy to see it pass nearly unanimously."

The bill's passage marks a significant victory for bipartisan lawmakers and victim advocates who have pushed for greater transparency regarding Epstein's network. The lone dissenting vote came from Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who cited concerns that the legislation, as written, could harm innocent individuals by revealing personal information. His opposition stemmed from a belief that the bill "abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure in America."

The legislative momentum for the bill built over months, culminating in a discharge petition that bypassed House leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who initially voiced concerns about the measure. President Trump, who had previously resisted efforts to release the files, reversed his stance over the weekend, urging Republicans to support the bill. This shift allowed for the near-unanimous vote, despite earlier White House efforts to quash the initiative.

Under the new legislation, the Justice Department will be required to release all unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of the bill's enactment. Provisions within the bill allow for the redaction of information that identifies victims or could jeopardize ongoing federal investigations. The files are known to contain over 300 gigabytes of data, and their release is anticipated to provide further clarity on the extensive network surrounding Epstein.

Epstein survivors were present in the House gallery during the vote, applauding the lawmakers' decision. Their long-standing advocacy for transparency and justice has been a driving force behind the congressional action. The swift passage through both chambers underscores a widespread demand for accountability and a full public accounting of the circumstances surrounding Epstein's crimes.