In a powerful display of cross-party unity, the US House of Representatives has decisively passed a bill compelling the full release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Overwhelming Support for Transparency
The final tally on the Epstein Files Transparency Act was an emphatic 427 votes in favour to just one against. The legislation, passed on Tuesday 18 November 2025, mandates the US Justice Department to make the long-contested files public.
This near-unanimous result underscores the intense pressure on American authorities to provide transparency regarding the late financier's network. Prior to the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson had publicly stated he expected the bill to pass without a single dissenting voice.
The Lone Dissenting Voice
Defying that expectation was Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana. As the Subcommittee Chair for the Federal Law Enforcement panel, Higgins was the solitary member of the House to vote against the bill's passage.
Higgins, a noted conservative and fervent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has not yet publicly detailed his reasons for the controversial 'no' vote. His opposition stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming consensus from both Democratic and Republican colleagues.
Next Steps for the Legislation
With its successful passage through the House, the focus now shifts to the US Senate. The Epstein Files Transparency Act will proceed to the upper chamber for further consideration and a vote.
This development comes amid continued public and political scrutiny over the extent of Epstein's associations. The release of these files is anticipated to shed further light on one of the most infamous criminal cases of the modern era.
