The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan bill ordering the release of all remaining government-held records connected to Jeffrey Epstein, marking one of the most decisive congressional actions on the matter to date. The legislation passed with a 427–1 vote in Congress now heads to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it into law.
Lawmakers say the purpose of the bill is to promote transparency and provide the American public with access to documents long shrouded in secrecy. The release is expected to include investigative files, communications, court materials, and any previously undisclosed information held by federal agencies related to Epstein, his associates, and the circumstances surrounding his operations.
Congress Calls for Accountability
House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed lawmakers on the House floor, sharply criticising Democratic leaders for what he described as attempts to “politicise” the Epstein files while reaffirming that the bill’s objective is victim protection, truth, and accountability. Johnson emphasised that the public deserves a full view of the decades-long investigations and the networks surrounding Epstein.
Members of both parties echoed similar sentiments, noting that the release of the records is crucial to restoring trust and addressing longstanding public concern about who may have been involved with Epstein.
Historical Background
Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with significant political and social connections, was arrested in 2019 on federal sex-trafficking charges involving minors. He later died in a New York detention facility in what was ruled a suicide, though the circumstances of his death have fueled widespread controversy and speculation.
Since Epstein’s first arrest in 2006, numerous investigations have been launched some revealing prosecutorial failures, plea deals, and alleged preferential treatment. The 2008 non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida remains one of the most contentious episodes, sparking repeated calls for transparency.
Over the years, lawsuits, unsealed court documents, and whistleblower testimony have revealed partial information about Epstein’s connections to high-profile individuals across politics, business, and entertainment. However, a significant portion of federal records has remained classified or inaccessible until now.
What Happens Next
Once signed by President Trump, the legislation will require federal agencies to begin declassifying and producing all Epstein-related documents, with certain redactions permitted only to protect the identities of victims and ongoing legal processes. A staged release schedule is expected, similar to procedures used in the JFK Records Act.
Advocates for transparency have hailed the bill as a breakthrough, while legal analysts warn that the disclosures could have substantial political, legal, and diplomatic implications depending on what the files contain.
The first batch of records is expected to be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law.
