The US Senate has agreed to pass legislation requiring the release of investigative files relating to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The move came by unanimous consent on Wednesday, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives the previous day.
House lawmakers approved the bill on Tuesday by 427 votes to one, with only Republican Clay Higgins opposing. He argued the measure could expose identifying details of witnesses and potential suspects. The legislation now goes to President Donald Trump, who has indicated he will sign it after reversing his earlier opposition.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor: “The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough. Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.” The Senate had not yet received the bill from the House when it adjourned on Tuesday night, but it will be automatically approved once forwarded.
The Epstein files scandal has dogged President Trump since his return to the White House, splitting his conservative base and prompting accusations of a cover-up from across the political spectrum. Despite previously dismissing the matter as a “Democrat hoax”, Trump relented over the weekend, allowing Republican lawmakers to support the measure demanded by many constituents.
Several Republican allies criticised the bill in floor speeches before voting for it. Representative Troy Nehls said: “As President Trump has stated, we have nothing to hide. I’m voting to release the files so that we can move on.” Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan argued Democrats could have acted during Joe Biden’s presidency. Speaker Mike Johnson also backed the bill while urging protections for victims.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley wrote on X that he had “been calling for full transparency in the Epstein case since 2019” and urged a swift vote. The case returned to the spotlight in July when the Justice Department said it had nothing further to disclose, contradicting earlier Trump administration promises. Four dissident Republicans and all Democrats had forced the House vote.
