The bill now goes before the U.S. Senate for a vote before possibly being signed by the president
The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to require the U.S. Department of Justice to release its files related to the federal investigation into convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The action reinvigorates a long-stalled transparency effort that has gained bipartisan cooperation. The final vote was 427–1, with only one lawmaker, Rep. Clay Higgins, R- R-Louisiana, declining to approve the measure.
According to ABC News, cheers erupted in the chamber as the gavel signaled the vote’s conclusion, reflecting the intensity of public pressure and the months-long push from a cross-party coalition of lawmakers.
The effort initially faced resistance from President Donald Trump and House leadership, but after it became clear that a discharge petition would force a floor vote, Trump reversed his position and endorsed the bill.
The bill is now headed to the U.S. Senate
The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate, where bipartisan sponsors are urging Majority Leader John Thune to bring it up “immediately.” Should it pass, it would go next to Trump, who said Monday he would sign it. Interestingly enough, Democrats note that Trump already has the authority to order the files released without congressional action.
Higgins Cites Privacy Concerns as Lone Dissenting Vote
Rep. Clay Higgins, a staunch Trump ally, said he voted no because the bill “in its current form” does not adequately protect victims, survivors, and “thousands of innocent people” who may be named in investigative materials but are not implicated in crimes.
“If the Senate amends the bill to properly address privacy of victims and other Americans, who are named but not criminally implicated, then I will vote for that bill when it comes back to the House,” Higgins said.
Supporters of the bill say those concerns are already addressed. The legislation includes provisions to redact names of victims and details of child abuse. They argue that any Senate amendments would unnecessarily delay disclosure — something they believe may be the point.
Tensions Rise as Survivors Look On
During House debate, survivors of Epstein’s abuse watched from the gallery, at one point breaking into applause after remarks by Rep. Adelita Grijalva, a key Democrat who provided the final signature needed to force the vote through a discharge petition.
“I rise today to acknowledge the survivors, family members and advocates who are here today and have never given up,” Grijalva said. “The survivors deserve justice. The American people deserve the truth.”
Democrats Accuse Trump of Interference
Following the vote, Rep. Robert Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called on the Senate to act swiftly — and accused Trump of attempting to obstruct the investigation.
“Donald Trump is panicking and trying to stop our investigation,” Garcia said. “We need to know what he’s hiding, and what powerful men are responsible for the rape and abuse of children and women.”
He continued: “No more lies. No more secrets. We will get justice for the survivors. Release the files, NOW.”
What Comes Next
The Senate must now approve the bill before it can go to the White House. Even as the legislative process continues, pressure is mounting on Trump to order the release of the documents immediately — an action Democrats argue he could take at any time.
For now, survivors, lawmakers, and advocates say they are closer than ever to unlocking long-classified details about Epstein’s network of associates and the government’s handling of the case.