In a sweeping and nearly unanimous bipartisan decision, the United States Congress has mandated the release of all unclassified Justice Department files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives passed the “Epstein Files Transparency Act” by an overwhelming 427–1 margin, followed moments later by a unanimous consent agreement in the Senate, clearing the bill’s path directly to President Donald Trump.
Trump, who had earlier expressed reservations, has now indicated he will sign the legislation, bringing an end to months of political deadlock and intense public pressure.
The Act requires the Justice Department, FBI, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices to disclose all unclassified documents, communications, and investigative materials relating to Epstein and his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. The records must be made public within 30 days of enactment.
While certain redactions will be permitted to protect ongoing federal investigations and victim identities, the bill explicitly prohibits withholding information for reasons of “embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity.”
The move represents a major victory for survivors of Epstein’s abuse, who have spent years urging Congress to force full transparency. Lawmakers overcame significant earlier opposition, including from House leadership and the White House, by using a rare discharge petition to compel a vote after months of stalled negotiations.
The overwhelming bipartisan support reflects strong public demand for clarity regarding Epstein’s crimes, his associates, and the failures that allowed his network to operate for decades.
