In a dramatic and unexpected twist on Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted almost unanimously to compel the Department of Justice to release all documents linked to its long-running investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The measure passed in a sweeping 427–1 vote, marking one of the most bipartisan moments seen in the chamber this year — and a sharp departure from months of Republican resistance.

The breakthrough came only after Democrats, supported by a small number of Republican allies, successfully forced the bill onto the House agenda. Their move directly challenged the months-long efforts by former President Donald Trump and several GOP leaders who had attempted to block or delay the vote. The overwhelming outcome has now exposed visible fractures within Trump’s political bloc and raised new questions about his party’s internal dynamics.

With the House vote complete, attention now shifts to the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the chamber would move swiftly, predicting the bill could pass without amendment and possibly even unanimously. Despite opposing the measure for months, Trump reversed his stance ahead of the vote and now says he intends to sign the bill when it reaches his desk.

The only dissenting vote came from Republican Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who argued the bill could inadvertently expose the identities of innocent individuals connected to the Epstein investigation — including witnesses and individuals who were never accused of wrongdoing. Higgins maintained that the bill disregarded established criminal-justice protections and suggested that only a revised version from the Senate could earn his support.

Even though Republican leaders ultimately backed the bill, many of them framed the vote as a “political show” orchestrated by Democrats. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed deep reservations but admitted he voted in favor primarily to avoid accusations of obstructing transparency, saying no member wanted to appear opposed to openness in such a sensitive matter.

The internal GOP struggle over the bill’s fate was pronounced. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican co-sponsor who pushed aggressively for a vote, described Johnson’s eventual support as reluctant at best. Massie noted that public pressure — especially from Epstein’s survivors — made the vote unavoidable.

At a press conference earlier in the day, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared with several of the women who say they were abused by Epstein. Greene, who has sharply broken from Trump on the issue, urged the president to follow through on his promise to sign the legislation and warned that the real challenge would come afterward: ensuring the Department of Justice actually releases the materials without delay or the cover of ongoing investigations.

Survivors, including Haley Robson, addressed Trump directly in emotional remarks, expressing both gratitude for his shift and skepticism about the timing of his reversal. They insisted the public has waited long enough for full transparency.

The road to Tuesday’s vote was marked by intense lobbying from Trump. Several House Republicans reported receiving direct calls from the former president pressuring them to withdraw their support for the discharge petition that enabled the vote. Instead of weakening support, the pressure appeared to strengthen the resolve of several hard-right lawmakers — particularly the women whose signatures were crucial to meeting the 218-member threshold.

Despite Republicans’ attempt to credit their oversight efforts, Democrats argued that Trump could have released the documents at any time without congressional action. They accused GOP leadership of hiding behind procedural maneuvers to avoid political fallout.

The political fallout continues to simmer. Greene, who Trump recently labeled a “traitor” for defying him, publicly rebutted the charge in defense of the survivors. Meanwhile, some lawmakers openly admitted their shift in position was driven solely by Trump’s last-minute endorsement.

The debate now turns to the Senate, where leaders on both sides acknowledge that the American public expects swift action — and long-promised answers — regarding the elusive Epstein files.

FAQ

1. What does the Epstein Files Transparency Act do?
It compels the Department of Justice to release all documents related to its Epstein investigation, with necessary redactions to protect victims.

2. Why was the vote significant?
Because it passed 427–1, despite months of political resistance, marking a rare bipartisan moment.

3. Why did Trump initially oppose the bill?
He and GOP leaders attempted to block it over concerns about political fallout and ongoing investigations, though he later reversed his stance.

4. Will the Department of Justice be required to release the files immediately?
Not necessarily — several lawmakers worry the DOJ may delay using active investigations as justification.

5. Who voted against the bill?
Only Representative Clay Higgins of Louisiana, who cited privacy concerns for individuals not accused of crimes.