Both chambers of Congress have taken steps to compel the U.S. Justice Department to release its files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking. The House of Representatives approved the measure with a vote of 427-1, while the Senate expedited the process without a formal vote. The push for disclosure coincided with President Donald Trump’s recent change in stance; he previously opposed the release but urged Congress to disclose the records following significant public pressure.
Trump’s ties to Epstein became a focal point after the release of over 20,000 pages of documents, some of which referenced the president. The White House has denied any wrongdoing on Trump’s part. Republican Clay Higgins from Louisiana was the only member of the House to oppose the bill, raising concerns about potential harm to innocent individuals from the information release. Trump’s shift from criticizing those advocating the release to asserting that there was “nothing to hide” surprised some in Washington, especially as Republican leadership had previously aligned against disclosure.
Despite initial expectations for a longer timeline, the House vote expedited the bill to the Senate, where Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer brought it under unanimous consent without debate. Following Senate approval, the measure is expected to reach the president’s desk for signing. While Congress initiated this effort, it is notable that Trump could have initiated the release independently.
The legislation requires Attorney General Pam Bondi to disclose all unclassified records related to Epstein, including internal communications and flight logs, within 30 days after enactment. However, the bill permits Bondi to withhold information that could compromise ongoing investigations or identify victims.
Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in 2019 under circumstances ruled a suicide. He was previously convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor. During earlier investigations, extensive documentation was collected, including victim and witness testimonies. The release of these files will also include implications regarding figures associated with Epstein, as some documents mentioned Trump. While survivors of Epstein’s abuse have urged lawmakers for disclosure, Trump’s administration has consistently denied any connection to wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxr1r34ev9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss