WASHINGTON (FN) — The release of Jeffrey Epstein’s government files now depends on President Donald Trump’s signature after Congress overwhelmingly approved legislation requiring the Justice Department to make the records public.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed the House on Tuesday with only one dissenting vote and cleared the Senate unanimously. The measure directs the Justice Department to release the files within 30 days of becoming law, while protecting survivors’ personal information and sensitive material.
Trump had initially opposed the bill but dropped his resistance earlier this week. His signature would set in motion the disclosure of documents that could include correspondence, investigation notes and records of Epstein’s network.
Lawmakers described the vote as a rare show of bipartisan unity. “This is about accountability. The public deserves to know the full scope of Epstein’s crimes and connections,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D‑Conn.
Survivors’ advocates cautiously welcomed the move. “We want the truth out, but we also want to protect those who lived through this nightmare,” said a spokesperson for a victims’ rights group. Some survivors expressed relief that their voices were finally being heard, while others worried about renewed trauma once the files are made public.
Civil society organizations praised the bipartisan unity but warned against political exploitation. “The release must not become a partisan weapon. It should serve justice and truth,” said Transparency International’s U.S. office.
Analysts said the disclosure could reignite scrutiny of Epstein’s ties to powerful figures worldwide. “The files may reshape public understanding of how far Epstein’s influence reached,” said a Georgetown University researcher.
Epstein, accused of sex trafficking minors, died in federal custody in 2019. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of aiding his crimes. Survivors and watchdog groups have long demanded full disclosure of government records tied to Epstein’s activities.
