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Epstein Files Transparency Act

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Epstein Files Transparency Act
Great Seal of the United States
Long titleTo require the Attorney General to release all documents and records in possession of the Department of Justice relating to Jeffrey Epstein, and for other purposes.
Announced inthe 119th United States Congress
Number of co-sponsors24
Legislative history

The Epstein Files Transparency Act is a law proposed in the 119th United States Congress. It would require the United States Department of Justice to declassify and release all files pertaining to the prosecution of the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within 15 days of passage. The bill passed the House of Representatives on November 18 and awaits a vote in the Senate.

In September 2025, Representative Thomas Massie filed a discharge petition in support of the bill. On November 12, the discharge petition received the minimum-required 218 signatures needed, from 4 Republican Party representatives and 214 Democratic Party representatives, forcing a future House vote on the bill.

The House of Representatives voted on the act on November 18, 2025, under the suspension of the rules procedure, which requires a two-thirds majority for passage. The measure passed 427–1, with Representative Clay Higgins (R–LA) casting the lone nay vote. The Senate passed the bill through unanimous consent later that day.

Background

During the 2024 presidential election, the Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump made many media appearances, including on several prominent podcasts (such as those of Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Lex Fridman, and Andrew Schulz), during his presidential campaign. In June 2024, when asked by Rachel Campos-Duffy on Fox News whether he would release the Epstein files as president, Trump answered "yeah, I would."[1] In September, while appearing on Fridman's podcast, Trump promised to release the Epstein Files if re-elected.[2] Trump won re-election in November 2024.

In February 2025, the U.S. attorney general, Pam Bondi, stated in a Fox News interview that the Epstein client list is "sitting on my desk right now to review."[3] Later that month, the White House gave binders to several prominent conservative and right-wing figures, including Liz Wheeler and Scott Presler, reading "Epstein Files: Phase 1" and "Declassified". Later that day, Representative Anna Paulina Luna the event, stating that they released "old info".[3]

On July 7, Bondi released a statement saying that the DOJ found "no incriminating 'client list'", contradicting her February statement. That day, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that no further files from the Epstein investigation would be released.[3] Bondi's statement drew outrage from conservative figures; Wheeler called it "unforgivable behavior", while the Hodgetwins called for Trump to fire Bondi.[4]

On July 11, reports emerged that FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino had a heated confrontation with Bondi over her handling of the files, and was considering resigning.[5] Bongino was later demoted to Co-Deputy Director on September 15, 2025.[6]

On July 12, Trump defended Bondi and referred to the Epstein files as "somebody that nobody cares about." On July 16, Trump referred to the Epstein files as "a big hoax." On July 23, reports emerged that earlier in May, Bondi and her deputy Todd Blanche informed Trump that his name was "among many in the Epstein files." Trump denied this report.[3]

Trumps' change in position drew criticism from prominent pod-casters close to Trump, as well as many conservatives. Rogan accused the Trump administration of gaslighting the public, while Schultz said Trump was "insulting our intelligence".[7]

In August 2025, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer denied Bondi's request to unseal grand jury files from the Ghislaine Maxwell prosecution case.[3]

Legislative history

Discharge petition

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) was the first to file a discharge petition on the Epstein files.

On September 2, 2025, (the first day the House was back in session after the August recess) Rep. Thomas Massie moved to force the House to vote to require the Justice Department to release the files, through a discharge petition.[8] Trump and other Republicans launched a pressure campaign to prevent the release of the files, with one anonymous official calling voting for Massie's discharge petition a "very hostile act to the administration".[9]

Within several days, Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, and Marjorie Taylor Greene signed the discharge petition, alongside many Democrats.[10] Later that month, Greene posted to Twitter: "The Epstein rape and pedophile network must be exposed. ... Release all the Epstein information by any means possible." She added that "if something happens to me, I ask you all to find out" who might be trying "to stop the information from coming out."[11]

The petition's final two signatures came from Democrats: James Walkinshaw, who won the Virginia 11th District special election on September 9[12] and was sworn in the next day, and Adelita Grijalva, who won the Arizona 7th congressional district special election on September 23[13] and was sworn in on November 12.[14]

In the hours before Grijalva was sworn in, Bondi, Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel met with Boebert regarding the House effort. However, Boebert did not remove her name from the petition, and once Grijalva was sworn in and provided the 218th signature, it was no longer procedurally allowable for any signatories to remove their names.[15][16][17]

Speaker Mike Johnson had delayed Grijalva's swearing-in, generally attributing his decision to the 2025 government shutdown. On October 21, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes sued Johnson, seeking to force him to swear in Grijalva.[18] That day, Johnson told Fox Business that the delay "has zero to do with Epstein", given that "the Epstein files are being released"[19] (seemingly referring to the House Oversight Committee's releases).

On November 12, immediately after being sworn in, Grijalva added her name to the discharge petition, securing the required 218th signature for the petition to succeed.[20]

Interval period

On November 12, 2025, Johnson stated that the House would vote on the bill the following week (November 16–22).[20]

In the following days, Representatives Don Bacon,[21] Andy Biggs,[22] Rob Bresnahan,[21] Tim Burchett,[21] Eli Crane,[23] Warren Davidson,[24] Carlos A. Giménez,[25] Nicole Malliotakis,[25] Max Miller,[24] and Derrick Van Orden,[25] none of whom signed the discharge petition, stated that they will vote in favor of the legislation. Representative María Elvira Salazar stated when asked that she was still "thinking" over her vote.[26]

Politico has reported that according to anonymous sources, over 100 Republicans are expected to defect from Johnson and vote for the bill.[21] Representative Ro Khanna has predicted that 40–50 Republicans might vote for release, while Massie similarly anticipated that Republican support could "snowball",[27] later predicting a deluge of "100 or more" Republican votes.[28]

On November 15, Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate Epstein's involvement with banks and prominent Democratic figures, including Bill Clinton, Lawrence Summers, and Reid Hoffman. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: "This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats". Bondi subsequently assigned the investigation to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.[29]

On November 16, Rep. Massie commented on the DOJ's new investigation ordered by Trump, saying:

"The president's been saying this is a hoax. He’s been saying that for months. Well, he's just now decided to investigate a hoax, if it's a hoax...I have another concern about these investigations...If they have ongoing investigations in certain areas, those documents can't be released. So, this might be a big smoke screen, these investigations, to open a bunch of them...as a last-ditch effort to prevent the release of the Epstein files".[30]

Massie also added that he does not believe Trump himself is implicated in the files, but "instead is trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign, friends in his social circles".[30]

Several hours later,[30] Trump posted on Truth Social, reversing his stance, writing that "House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files...it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax".[31] Representative Robert Garcia commented on Trump's reversal, arguing Trump was "panicking...he is about to lose this Epstein vote to force the Department of Justice to release the files...Trump has the power to release all the files today...instead, he wants to continue this cover-up and launch bogus new investigations to deflect and slow down our investigation."[32] Massie also responded, commenting that Trump "got tired of me winning."[33]

On November 17, Trump said that he would sign the bill, but wouldn't want it to "take it away from us". Massie responded to Trump on Twitter, writing: "Looking forward to attending this bill signing."[34] That day, Johnson also stated that he might support it, if it could be improved in the U.S. Senate to better protect victims' identities.[35]

On November 18, Massie, Khanna, and Taylor Greene are set to host a press conference at Capitol Hill, alongside Epstein abuse survivors. The conference is set to discuss the next steps for the Epstein Files Transparency Act.[36]

House vote

Republican Clay Higgins was the only one to vote against the bill.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on the act on November 18, 2025, just before 3 p.m. ET. The bill was considered by the House "under a suspension of rules", meaning it required a two-thirds majority (290) vote to succeed.[37]

The vote passed 427–1. Republican Clay Higgins was the lone vote against the bill, arguing that the release of the identities of innocent witnesses and family members related to the case would cause undue harm.[38]

Epstein Files Transparency Act, November 18, 2025 House vote
Party Yes No Present Did not vote Total
Republican 216 1 — 2 219
Democratic 211 — — 3 214
Total 427 1 — 5 433

Senate Vote

After passing the House, the bill requires 60 votes in the U.S. Senate and the signature of President Donald Trump to become law.[39][39] Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate might vote on it later in the day on November 18 or otherwise "fairly quickly".[40] That night, the Senate unanimously agreed to pass the bill as soon as it is received from the House.[41]

Public opinion

A September 2025 Marist Poll, surveying 1,477 adult Americans, found that 90% of Americans answered that they wanted at least some of the Epstein files released, with the victims' names redacted. Among these surveyed, 77% stated that they wanted all of the Epstein files to be released, 13% wanted some of the files released, and 9% were opposed. Additionally, 84% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans, and 83% of independents answered that they wanted all of the Epstein files to be released.[42]

On November 17, 2025, Mark Epstein, the brother of Epstein, claimed there was an active coverup to "sanitize" the files by "scrubbing the files to take Republican names out." Mark Epstein claimed he had heard as such from a "pretty good source" and it was the reason for Trump's sudden shift on releasing the files.[43][44]

References

  1. ^ "How Fox News massaged a Trump interview". Semafor. June 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "Trump promises to release Epstein's 'client list'; ex-prez insists he was 'never' on Jeffrey's island". September 4, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Chappell, Bill (August 22, 2025). "Timeline: Trump administration's words as critics press for Epstein records". NPR.
  4. ^ Glenza, Jessica (July 8, 2025). "Rightwing influencers indignant over FBI claim that Jeffrey Epstein's client list doesn't exist". The Guardian.
  5. ^ "Dan Bongino weighs resigning from FBI after heated confrontation with Pam Bondi over Epstein files". NBC News. July 11, 2025.
  6. ^ Barrett, Devin; Haberman, Maggie (August 18, 2025). "In Surprise Move, Trump Taps Missouri Attorney General to Help Run F.B.I." The New York Times.
  7. ^ Pereira, Ivan (July 29, 2025). "Joe Rogan slams Trump administration over Epstein investigation: 'Trying to gaslight'". ABC News.
  8. ^ Delaney, Arthur (September 2, 2025). "Thomas Massie Files 'Discharge Petition' To Force House Vote On Epstein Files". HuffPost. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  9. ^ Gold, Michael (September 3, 2025). "G.O.P. Thwarts Epstein Disclosure Bill as Accusers Plead for Files". The New York Times. Retrieved November 13, 2025. None of it appeared to be enough to outweigh the pressure from Mr. Trump and Republican leaders, who have moved quickly to squelch legislation that would require the Justice Department to quickly and completely release what it uncovered about Mr. Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. (...) The White House, for its part, has made its opposition to Mr. Massie's bill clear.
  10. ^ Kim, Ellis (September 5, 2025). "Here's what's next in the Epstein files saga". CNN. Retrieved September 5, 2025.
  11. ^ Mazza, Ed (September 29, 2025). "'Not Suicidal': Marjorie Taylor Greene Posts Ominous 'If Something Happens' Message". HuffPost. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  12. ^ English, Molly (September 23, 2025). "Adelita Grijalva will win US House special election in Arizona, CNN projects, delivering decisive vote for Epstein files push". CNN. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
  13. ^ Bolton, Alexander (September 15, 2025). "GOP momentum grows to force Trump DOJ to release Epstein files". The Hill. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
  14. ^ Delaney, Arthur (November 12, 2025). "It's Official: The House Will Vote To Release The Epstein Files". HuffPost. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  15. ^ Karni, Annie; Barrett, Devlin; Gold, Michael (November 12, 2025). "Trump Summons Lauren Boebert as He Pushes GOP to Block Epstein Vote". The New York Times. Retrieved November 13, 2025. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed that the meeting had taken place...
  16. ^ Polantz, Katelyn; Collins, Kaitlan; Rabinowitz, Hannah; Treene, Alayna (November 12, 2025). "Exclusive: Trump administration plans meeting over House effort to force release of all of DOJ's Epstein files". CNN. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  17. ^ Ferris, Sarah (November 12, 2025). "Johnson says House will vote next week on whether to release Epstein files". CNN. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  18. ^ Wong, Scott (October 21, 2025). "Arizona AG sues to force House Speaker Johnson to seat Democrat Adelita Grijalva". NBC News. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  19. ^ Brancolini, Janna (October 21, 2025). "Mike Johnson Cornered on Fox News Over Epstein Vote Saga". The Daily Beast. Retrieved October 23, 2025.
  20. ^ a b "Epstein discharge petition secures final signature needed to force House vote on releasing files". CBS News. November 12, 2025.
  21. ^ a b c d "Republicans expecting mass defections on Epstein vote". Politico. November 12, 2025.
  22. ^ Sievers, Catilan (November 14, 2025). "Andy Biggs says he will vote to release the Epstein files, despite Trump's opposition". AZ Mirror.
  23. ^ Griffing, Alex (November 12, 2025). "House Republicans Scramble as Epstein Files Petition Hits Magic Number — Several Announce They're Now Voting in Favor". Mediate.
  24. ^ a b BeMiller, Haley (November 17, 2025). "Will Ohio Republicans vote to release Epstein files? Where members of Congress stand".
  25. ^ a b c "GOP lawmakers signal support for bill to release Epstein files and shrug off Trump's attacks on Greene". CNN. November 17, 2025.
  26. ^ Heddles, Claire (November 14, 2025). "Will Miami's Congressional delegation vote to release Epstein files?". Miami Herald.
  27. ^ Wagner, Meg (November 13, 2025). "Here's where some Republicans stand on releasing the Epstein files". CNN. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  28. ^ Vento, Sophia (November 16, 2025). "Massie predicts a 'deluge' of House Republicans will vote to release Epstein files". The Hill.
  29. ^ Gregorian, Dareh (November 14, 2025). "Trump directs DOJ to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with political and other figures". NBC News.
  30. ^ a b c Fortinsky, Sarah (November 17, 2025). "Massie warns DOJ's new Epstein probes may block document releases". The Hill.
  31. ^ Suter, Tara (November 16, 2025). "Trump, in reversal, calls on House GOP to vote to release Epstein files". The Hill.
  32. ^ "Trump is 'panicking' after failing 'to kill our Jeffrey Epstein investigation', says top Democrat, after president's sudden pivot". The Guardian. November 17, 2025.
  33. ^ Suter, Tara (November 17, 2025). "Massie on Trump's Epstein files U-turn: 'He got tired of me winning'". The Hill.
  34. ^ Jaramillo, Alejandra (November 17, 2025). "Trump says he'd sign bill to release Epstein files but warns it shouldn't overshadow his agenda". CNN.
  35. ^ Meyer, Matt (November 17, 2025). "Johnson signals he could support Epstein bill if Senate promises to make changes". CNN. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
  36. ^ Suter, Tara (November 17, 2025). "Greene, Massie, Khanna to host Epstein survivors for Tuesday press conference". The Hill.
  37. ^ Kim, Ellis (November 17, 2025). "House to vote on Epstein files release tomorrow afternoon". CNN.
  38. ^ Yilek, Caitlin (November 18, 2025). "Epstein files live updates as House passes bill to force release of documents in 427-1 vote". CBS News.
  39. ^ a b "What's next for Congress in the push to release more Epstein files". PBS. November 13, 2025.
  40. ^ Stracqualursi, Veronica (November 18, 2025). "Here's the Epstein bill's possible path in the Senate". CNN. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  41. ^ "Live: US House and Senate approve release of Epstein files". BBC News. November 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  42. ^ "The 1st Amendment in the U.S., October 2025". MaristPoll. October 1, 2025.
  43. ^ "Jeffrey Epstein said he had 'dirt' on Trump, brother says". NewsNation. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  44. ^ "Jeffrey Epstein's Brother: GOP 'Sanitizing' Names From Files... That's Why Trump Now Supports Release". TMZ. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
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