U.S. House passes resolution to release Epstein files, Senate approves without vote

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to require the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein, following President Donald Trump’s decision to no longer oppose the measure.

The resolution passed 427-1 on Tuesday and now moves to the Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune indicated it could be approved through unanimous consent. The vote concluded months of internal disagreement among Republican lawmakers over how to handle efforts to disclose the files.

On the Senate floor, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed frustration with Trump’s past opposition to the release of Epstein's records.

"Well, Mr. President, Donald Trump has tried to cover up for Jeffrey Epstein long enough. It's time that the Senate finish the job to finally compel the Department of Justice to release the Epstein files," Schumer said.

He further emphasised the broad bipartisan support for the measure, noting, "A few hours ago, the House of Representatives passed their Epstein bill with as lopsided a vote as you can get, 427 to 1. It's now the Senate's turn."

Schumer then requested unanimous consent for the Senate to approve the Epstein Files Transparency Act without further delay.

“My unanimous consent request guarantees that the Senate will immediately pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act as soon as it comes over from the House,” he added.

Schumer also framed the issue as one of public transparency and accountability, stressing that it was not a partisan matter.

“This isn't about Democrats versus Republicans or about Congress versus the President. This is about giving the American people the transparency they've been crying for,” Schumer asserted.

He called for justice for Epstein's victims and all those connected to his abuse.

“This is about holding accountable all the people in Jeffrey Epstein's circle who raped, groomed, targeted, and enabled the abuse of hundreds of girls for years and years. The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein's victims have waited long enough. Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”

Schumer urged his Republican colleagues to support the release of the files, stating, "And I urge my Republican colleagues, let this Senate act today."

Before the vote, survivors who say Epstein abused them gathered outside the U.S. Capitol with a group of bipartisan lawmakers, urging full transparency. They held photographs from the period when they say they first encountered Epstein. After the vote, some were seen applauding from the House gallery.

Epstein’s past connections to prominent public figures, including Trump, have kept the case in the public eye. Trump, speaking at the White House during a visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, denied any involvement with Epstein, stating, “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” and emphasised the end of their social relationship years earlier.

Some survivors voiced concern about the political nature of the debate, with Jena-Lisa Jones, who claims to have been abused by Epstein as a minor, urging lawmakers to focus on the release of the files rather than partisan disputes.

The House action was led by Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who argued that releasing the files was necessary for public accountability. Only one member, Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana, voted against the measure.

After months of political divisions, Trump shifted his stance, agreeing to the bill in an effort to reduce internal tensions. He noted that there was no reason to oppose the disclosure of unclassified records. As president, Trump has the authority to order the release of such files without waiting for congressional approval.

The family of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers who died earlier this year, welcomed the House vote. Her brother, Sky Roberts, expressed hope that the files would be released promptly, noting that the president could authorise their publication immediately.

Epstein, who pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge in 2008 and later faced federal charges related to the trafficking of minors, died in a Manhattan jail in 2019. The records covered by the House resolution are expected to provide further insight into prior investigations and Epstein’s connections across political and social circles.

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