A bipartisan bill requiring the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein has passed through both chambers of Congress, now awaiting the decision of President Donald Trump. The legislation garnered overwhelming support, with the only dissenting vote coming from Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who cited privacy concerns as his primary reason for opposing the measure.
The bill’s swift passage underscores a rare moment of unity among lawmakers, as it aims to shed light on the longstanding questions surrounding Epstein’s activities and connections. While most Republican lawmakers joined their Democratic counterparts in backing the bill, Higgins stood alone in his objection. He expressed concern over the potential exposure of personal information belonging to Epstein’s victims, highlighting the sensitive nature of the documents involved.
All seven U.S. legislators from Oklahoma voted in favor of the measure, reflecting a strong consensus within the state’s delegation. The bipartisan authors of the bill, Reps. Thomas Massie from Kentucky and Ro Khanna from California, have emphasized that the legislation includes provisions to protect victims’ identities. The Justice Department will retain the authority to withhold certain sensitive information, particularly if it pertains to ongoing federal investigations.
As the bill now sits on Trump’s desk, he has ten days to either sign or veto it. If he decides to veto, a supermajority in Congress—specifically, two-thirds of both chambers—would be required to override his decision. Trump has not provided a definitive statement on his intentions regarding the bill, although he has repeatedly distanced himself from Epstein, asserting, “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”
The timeline for the release of the Epstein files remains uncertain. If Trump signs the bill, the Justice Department will be compelled to release relevant documents. However, any materials deemed critical to active investigations can still be withheld under the legislation’s stipulations.
Trump received the bill on November 19, 2023, meaning he must make a decision by November 29, 2023. Prior to the vote, he urged House Republicans to support the release of the files, framing it as a necessary step to counter “the Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics.”
While the bill marks a significant step toward transparency regarding Epstein’s activities, the implications of its passage hinge on the forthcoming decision from the White House. The outcome will be closely monitored as the public seeks clarity on the complex network surrounding the convicted sex offender.
