Congress advanced a high-profile transparency measure Tuesday, voting overwhelmingly to require the Justice Department to publicly release its records related to Jeffrey Epstein. The legislation, long stalled amid political divisions, is now on its way to President Donald Trump’s desk after both chambers agreed to move it forward.
The House approved the bill 427–1, and Senate leaders signaled they would clear it by unanimous consent once the House formally transmits it. The effort had struggled for months to overcome opposition from Trump and Republican leadership, but political pressure intensified as bipartisan sponsors rallied support and activists demanded disclosure.
The bill directs the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein and the federal investigation into his 2019 death in custody, with limited redactions allowed only for victim privacy and ongoing investigative needs — not for potential embarrassment or political sensitivity.
Lawmakers across the political spectrum framed the vote as a pivotal step in a yearslong push for transparency surrounding Epstein’s crimes and his network of powerful associates. Outside the Capitol, abuse survivors pressed for action, underscoring how prolonged delays had prolonged their frustration.
The measure also gained momentum after the House Oversight Committee published thousands of pages of documents from Epstein’s estate, highlighting his connections to prominent political, financial and global figures.
The bill’s path was complicated earlier this year when the House remained closed for legislative business for nearly two months and the seating of a new member was delayed during the shutdown. Supporters said the vote count shifted only once all House seats were filled.
While congressional leaders expressed differing views about the bill’s scope and potential effects, both chambers ultimately backed the measure with broad bipartisan support. The Senate is expected to complete the process quickly.
If signed, the Justice Department will have 30 days to release the required records. A recent Reuters background reportoffers additional context on the years of public pressure leading to this moment.
