Congress Forces Release of Jeffrey Epstein Files: A Rare Bipartisan Victory for Transparency

In a stunning display of cross-aisle unity amid an otherwise polarized political landscape, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have overwhelmingly approved legislation compelling the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all unclassified records related to the investigations and prosecution of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed the House on November 18, 2025, by a vote of 427-1, with only one dissenting member. The Senate followed suit the same day via unanimous consent — a procedural move that allowed it to pass without a formal roll call or objections, spearheaded by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

This near-unanimous action came after months of delays, internal Republican resistance, and even reported pressure from President Donald Trump, who initially opposed the measure citing concerns over executive precedent. Trump reversed course earlier in the week, and on November 19, he signed the bill into law. In a Truth Social post, Trump confirmed the signing, framing it as a win for accountability while downplaying personal implications.