House Overwhelmingly Passes ‘Epstein Files Transparency Act’
In a stunning display of bipartisan unity, the House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act by a near-unanimous vote of 427 to 1, triggering what could be the largest public release of government records related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.
The only dissent came from Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), while the rest of the chamber—Republicans and Democrats alike—stood together as Epstein survivors looked on from the House gallery, many in tears.
The bill mandates the Department of Justice to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” in its possession concerning Epstein, including flight logs, travel records, and any individuals named or referenced in connection with the investigation and prosecution—including Ghislaine Maxwell and government officials.
The push for transparency has long been a political flashpoint in Washington. But it wasn’t until President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the release that GOP leadership flipped on the issue.
Trump told reporters Monday night, “I’m tired of this Epstein nonsense overshadowing the work we’re doing. Let it all come out. I think it’ll be far more damaging to Democrats than to Republicans.” He also pledged to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
That public statement reportedly flipped the vote inside the GOP, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously urged Republicans to block the measure. Johnson now says the public deserves “full accountability, no matter who gets exposed.”
Democrats, who had been pushing for the bill for months, seized on the moment. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to “immediately take it up and pass it—period.” He warned Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) not to “bury the bill,” accusing Republicans of protecting Trump in the past.
But with Trump’s new support, it’s unclear whether Thune will follow through on previous concerns. Many GOP senators are now privately signaling they’ll fall in line with the House.
The legislation includes guardrails to protect victims’ identities and preserve ongoing investigations. But it also requires the DOJ to release a follow-up report within 15 days of publication, listing all withheld information, redaction categories, and a full list of “government officials and politically exposed individuals” named in the unsealed documents.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), a lead sponsor of the bill, celebrated the vote but warned of potential last-minute sabotage. “The swamp is already trying to get it amended in the Senate,” Khanna posted Monday night. “Anyone who tries to amend a bill POTUS says he will sign is betraying the survivors.”
The pressure now shifts to the Senate. But with Trump, survivors, and a massive public majority aligned on the issue, any attempt to stall the release could ignite a firestorm.
If passed and signed, the DOJ will be on the clock—and America may soon learn who exactly was flying on Epstein’s jets, visiting his properties, and what federal agencies knew about it all.