Both chambers of the US Congress have approved a measure ordering the Justice Department to release files on the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives passed the bill overwhelmingly in a 427-1 vote, while the Senate confirmed it would approve the measure once received from the House.
The release of the so-called “Epstein files” is now awaiting final approval from President Donald Trump, who has indicated he will sign the measure. Trump recently reversed his previous stance, urging fellow Republicans to support the disclosure after facing pushback from some of his supporters.
Earlier on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, survivors of Epstein spoke at the US Capitol in support of the release. One survivor described years of “institutional betrayal,” emphasizing the importance of public access to the records.
The files include transcripts of interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as evidence seized during raids on Epstein’s various properties. Lawmakers and the public hope the disclosure will provide transparency about Epstein’s criminal network, though no wrongdoing is implied for individuals mentioned in the documents.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN that the upper chamber expects to receive the bill from the House on Wednesday morning, after which it will be passed and sent to Trump for his signature. Trump, however, downplayed the urgency, calling the issue a “distraction” and urging Republicans to focus on recent political victories.
Trump’s historical ties to Epstein have once again attracted media attention after over 20,000 pages of documents from Epstein’s estate were previously released. Some of these documents mention Trump and other prominent figures but do not indicate any criminal involvement.
The president’s recent reversal surprised many in Washington, including Republican congressional leaders who had initially opposed the release. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had labeled the push a “Democrat hoax,” voted in favor of the measure, while Republican Rep. Clay Higgins cited concerns over protecting innocent people from potential harm.
With Trump’s sign-off expected soon, the Epstein files will likely become publicly accessible, marking a significant step in the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s criminal activities.
