Congress has passed a bipartisan bill that mandates the release of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, now awaiting President Donald Trump‘s approval. The legislation received overwhelming support, with all but one member of Congress voting in favor. This push represents a rare moment of congressional unity, even as Trump continues to dismiss the Epstein controversy as a “hoax.”
The House of Representatives voted on the bill, with only Rep. Clay Higgins, a Republican from Louisiana, opposing it. Higgins cited concerns over privacy for Epstein’s victims as his primary reason for dissenting. This stance is notable given that he typically aligns with conservative viewpoints. Most Republican lawmakers supported the measure, aligning with the bipartisan authors of the bill, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California).
The legislation stipulates that the Justice Department must release relevant documents while allowing for the withholding of sensitive information, such as personal details of victims and materials involved in active federal investigations. This clause aims to protect those affected by Epstein’s actions.
All seven U.S. legislators from Oklahoma voted in favor of the bill, reflecting a unified stance from the state. Following its passage, the bill now rests on Trump’s desk, who has ten days from receiving it on November 19, 2023, to either sign or veto it. If Trump vetoes the bill, a two-thirds supermajority in Congress would be required for an override.
Trump has not indicated how he intends to respond to the legislation. He continues to assert his non-involvement with Epstein, stating, “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.” His public comments suggest a reluctance to engage with the political implications of the bill.
While Trump has indicated he may sign the bill, he has made no official commitment. His recent statements on social media suggest that he perceives the Epstein narrative as a distraction from Republican successes. “House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide,” he wrote on Truth Social on November 16, 2023.
Should the bill become law, the Justice Department would be compelled to release significant files regarding Epstein. However, the timeline for when these documents will be made public remains uncertain. The legislation includes provisions that allow the Justice Department to withhold documents that could jeopardize ongoing investigations, ensuring that the release is handled with care.
As the situation develops, the focus will remain on Trump’s decision, which will ultimately determine the next steps in the release of these files.
