Senate Unanimously Passes Bill Ordering Release Of The Epstein Files

The Epstein files are now set to be released to the public after Congress passed the Epstein Transparency Act, a bill designed to make key Justice Department records available.

The vote took place on November 18 and saw broad bipartisan support, with both Democrats and Republicans backing it. In the House of Representatives, only one lawmaker voted against the measure, making the approval nearly unanimous.

The bill directs officials to release the Department of Justice’s records related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, whose case drew worldwide attention. GOP Rep. Clay Higgins was the only lawmaker to oppose the measure in the House.

After passing with a decisive 427–1 vote, the bill was sent to the Senate. Senators approved it just hours later, and it now awaits the president’s signature to formally become law.

Under the legislation, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release any unclassified reports, documents, communications, or investigative material related to Epstein that the Justice Department holds.

Certain details will still be redacted, including victims’ names, identifying information, and anything that could reveal or depict child sexual abuse materials.

Mike Johnson announced the results of the Epstein Transparency Act vote DANIEL HEUER/AFP via Getty Images

The Senate chose not to add any amendments to the bill, even though House Speaker Mike Johnson had previously pushed for changes to the original House vote.

His position shifted after President Trump announced on Monday that he would sign the bill if it passed.

What happens now?

"When a bill passes the House for 27 to one and the president said he'll sign it in law, I'm not sure that there's going to be a need for an amendment or desire for an amendment process," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said on Tuesday.

The bill is now headed to the president’s desk for his signature, marking a moment many observers thought would never happen just a few months ago.

Once the bill becomes law, the Justice Department will have 30 days to release all relevant records.

The push to make the files public had been underway for months, supported by every Democrat and several high-profile Republican representatives, including Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina, and Lauren Boebert of Colorado.

Despite strong support, the effort stalled until Tuesday’s vote.

Donald Trump's connection to Jeffrey Epstein has been the subject of much scrutiny Davidoff Studios/Getty Images

Back in September, Trump referred to the effort to release the files as a “Democrat Hoax,” even though many Epstein survivors — who strongly supported him — traveled to the Capitol to plead for transparency.

However, as the bill’s passage became increasingly likely, Trump voiced support on Truth Social, writing: "I don't care when the Senate passes the House Bill, whether tonight, or at some other time in the near future."

He later confirmed that he would sign the bill if it reached his desk.

Trump has long denied claims that he was connected to Epstein’s alleged network or played any role in the sex trafficking scandal, despite ongoing accusations throughout the years.