In a major development in the long-running saga surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the United States Congress has approved a bill requiring the release of government documents related to his crimes. The legislation, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, cleared both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and is now set to be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Overwhelming Congressional Support

The House passed the bill with a decisive 427-1 vote, while the Senate agreed to pass it by unanimous consent, skipping a formal roll call. Once the Senate returns to session, the bill will officially reach President Trump, who has indicated he would sign it into law.

“This is a big step in the fight for transparency,” said Congressman Thomas Massie, one of the bill’s lead sponsors, alongside Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Background: Epstein’s Crimes and High-Profile Connections

Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with extensive ties to influential figures, sexually abused girls and young women for years. His associates included former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, former British Prince Andrew, former US President Bill Clinton, and Harvard University figures such as Larry Summers.

Epstein first pleaded guilty in 2008 to solicitation of prostitution with a minor, serving 13 months in a minimum-security prison with extensive work-release privileges. Federal authorities reopened the case in 2019, charging him with sex trafficking of minors. Epstein died in his New York jail cell two months later, with the death ruled a suicide.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act

The newly approved law mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) release all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein’s case. These documents must be made available in a searchable and downloadable format, though certain sensitive information may be withheld to avoid compromising active federal investigations or revealing personal details of victims.

Only Republican Representative Clay Higgins voted against the bill, citing concerns that it could harm innocent witnesses, family members, and others indirectly involved.

Survivors Advocate for Transparency

Before the vote, survivors of Epstein’s abuse joined lawmakers outside the US Capitol. Jena-Lisa Jones, who first encountered Epstein at the age of 14, held up a photo of herself as a child and described the lasting trauma inflicted by the sex offender.

Massie emphasized the bipartisan nature of the bill, stating that Epstein’s network transcended party lines. “Once you get to a billion dollars, you see, you transcend parties,” he said, underscoring that the bill is about accountability rather than politics.

Trump’s Response

President Trump has previously called the Epstein controversy a “Democrat hoax,” though he later indicated willingness to sign the bill. He has criticized media inquiries about the files, referring to reporters in a controversial exchange on Air Force One as “piggy” in response to questioning.

Despite the president’s remarks, Congress’ passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act marks a significant victory for advocates of transparency and survivors seeking justice. The public release of the files is expected to shed new light on Epstein’s criminal activities and connections, and potentially influence ongoing and future investigations.