Washington: The U.S. Congress has moved decisively to compel the Justice Department to release its remaining files on Jeffrey Epstein, approving a bipartisan measure with near-unanimous support. The House of Representatives passed the bill in a sweeping 427–1 vote, while the Senate advanced it through a unanimous consent procedure, clearing it without debate or amendments.
The legislation was introduced on the Senate floor by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and with no objections raised, the bill was fast-tracked. It now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature, which is widely expected.
What the Bill Requires
Under the law, Attorney General Pam Bondi must release all unclassified records tied to Epstein and his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of enactment. The mandate includes internal Justice Department notes, flight logs, communications, and documents identifying individuals or entities linked to Epstein.
However, Bondi retains authority to withhold any information that could compromise ongoing federal investigations or reveal the identities of victims.
What Has Already Been Made Public
Across the years, substantial material has entered the public domain. In January 2024, authorities released 1,400 pages of records, including depositions from both Epstein and Maxwell. Documents unsealed in Maxwell’s legal proceedings listed multiple high-profile individuals.
Earlier this year, shortly after President Trump began his current term, the Justice Department and FBI disclosed what they called the “first phase” of declassified Epstein records. These included flight manifests from Epstein’s private jet and a redacted version of his contacts book. A memo issued in July stated that no further releases were planned.
Yet congressional inquiries have revealed significantly more. On November 12, a House committee made public more than 20,000 pages of emails and messages provided by Epstein’s estate in compliance with a subpoena. The newly disclosed communications included multiple insulting references to Trump, once again drawing attention to their long scrutinized association.
