The United States House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill aimed at releasing documents related to the investigation of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on November 18, 2023. The vote concluded with a tally of 427 to 1, with only Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana opposing the measure. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces considerable pressure from Republican lawmakers regarding potential amendments.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not publicly outlined his strategy for the forthcoming discussions, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has urged the Senate to modify the bill to enhance protections for Epstein’s victims. “This legislation that we will pass today is flawed and must be amended,” Johnson stated. Should the Senate choose to amend the legislation, it may delay the passage of a bill that has already been a focal point of contention for months.
Supporters of the bill, including Senate Democrats and Epstein’s victims, are advocating for its swift passage. Prior to the House vote, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the Epstein case represents significant failures within the federal government and Congress. “These American women aren’t rich powerful elites… They represent the failures of the federal government,” Greene said during her address.
With the bill now in the Senate, President Donald Trump has stated his intention to sign it if it reaches his desk, despite having previously opposed its progression. Trump’s recent shift came after he called for the release of the documents, claiming there was “nothing to hide.” His change of heart followed the release of approximately 20,000 documents from Epstein’s estate, which referenced Trump over 1,000 times.
Despite Trump’s past resistance, the release of the Epstein files has become a divisive issue among Republicans. Some members of his support base have demanded transparency, believing the documents could expose connections between Epstein and influential figures involved in the abuse of over 200 women and girls. Tensions escalated within Trump’s base when Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi contradicted previous statements regarding the existence of an “Epstein client list.”
As the proposed legislation moves forward, it is shaping up to be a test of political alliances, particularly as some Republicans have joined Democrats in pushing for the bill’s release. Greene remarked on the fracturing of the MAGA movement, noting that the controversy surrounding the Epstein files has led to divisions among Trump’s supporters.
If the bill is enacted, it would prevent the Attorney General from withholding any records on the basis of embarrassment or reputational harm, including those connected to government officials. Yet, the bill contains provisions that could allow Trump and Bondi to maintain certain records under wraps.
The Department of Justice will play a critical role if the bill passes both chambers of Congress. As highlighted by Epstein survivor Haley Robson, the release of these documents is crucial for accountability. Robson expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s motives, stating, “While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is.”
As the legislative process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Department of Justice to determine what information will ultimately be made public. “The real fight will happen after that,” Greene asserted. “The real test will be: Will the Department of Justice release the files? Or will it all remain tied up in an investigation?”
