The Epstein Transparency Act has passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support, requiring the Justice Department to release all unclassified Jeffrey Epstein files within 30 days.
The long-awaited Epstein files are now set to become public after the Epstein Transparency Act passed through both chambers of Congress with near-universal support.
On November 18, the House of Representatives voted 427–1 in favor of the bill. Only one lawmaker, GOP Rep. Clay Higgins, voted against releasing the documents. Less than two hours after the House vote, the Senate also approved the bill without a single objection.
The legislation now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law.
What the Bill Requires
Once signed, the law will require Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all unclassified records, investigative materials, communications, and documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that the Justice Department currently holds.
Some sensitive information will be withheld:
Victims’ names and identifying information
Anything containing or depicting child sexual abuse material
This ensures privacy and safety while still giving the public access to long-hidden information.
No Amendments Made — Despite Early Opposition
House Speaker Mike Johnson originally resisted the bill, but after President Trump reversed his stance and agreed to sign it, Johnson moved forward.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune explained why the Senate did not attempt to change anything:
“When a bill passes the House 427 to one and the president said he’ll sign it, I’m not sure there’s going to be a need for an amendment.”
The Senate passed the bill quickly and without debate.
What Happens Next?
Once President Trump signs the bill:
The Justice Department has 30 days to release the Epstein files
The public will finally get access to long-requested information
Survivors and advocates will see progress on an issue that stalled for months
For months, a large bipartisan group—including every Democrat and several high-profile Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert—pushed for the release. Their petition had been stuck until this week’s vote.
Trump’s Shift in Position
Trump previously called the push to release the Epstein files a “Democrat hoax”, even on the same day Epstein survivors visited Capitol Hill to demand transparency.
But as the vote approached, Trump changed his position, writing on Truth Social:
“I don’t care when the Senate passes the House bill… I will sign it.”
Trump has long denied any involvement with Epstein’s trafficking network, despite years of speculation and scrutiny.
A Major Step Toward Transparency
With bipartisan support and a fast track through Congress, the Epstein Transparency Act marks one of the most significant moves toward public disclosure in the investigation’s history.
Once signed into law, the countdown begins.
