House and Senate Approve Release of Epstein Files

The House of Representatives and Senate have both passed a bill requiring the Department of Justice to publicly release all unclassified records and documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The bill is now headed to President Trump's desk to be signed.

The Details: The Epstein Files Transparency Act, introduced by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), passed the House with a 427-1 vote. The one “no” vote came from Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), who argued that broadly releasing criminal investigative files could harm innocent people. The Senate passed the bill unanimously. The act requires the release of all classified and unclassified records, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein within 30 days of becoming law. It also directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to provide a list of government officials and other “politically exposed persons” connected to Epstein within 15 days of the president’s signature. 

For Context: Efforts to release the files have met resistance from some Republican lawmakers, including Trump, who had characterized the focus on Epstein as a Democratic “hoax.” Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform recently released emails from Epstein that allege Trump was aware of Epstein’s conduct. On Sunday, Trump reversed his position, saying House Republicans “should vote to release the Epstein files”, helping clear the way for the bill’s broad bipartisan support.

How the Media Covered It: Coverage across the political spectrum focused on the bipartisan support of the bill and the quick action by both chambers. The Hill (Center bias) covered the Senate's swift vote following the House, saying it "shows the lack of appetite among Republican senators to spend time on the controversial issue." CNBC (Lean Left) mentioned Trump's previous opposition to the bill, his sudden shift in position, and his previous connections with Epstein. It also focused on the bill's implications for Epstein’s victims. Fox News (Right) wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made good on his vow to quickly force a vote, noting the House had been “thrust into chaos” during its earlier fight over releasing the files. The New York Post (Lean Right) focused heavily on quotes from Johnson, including his concerns that the bill could expose innocent individuals and his call for the Senate to make corrections. 

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