Overview
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act directs the attorney general to provide a public accounting of released and withheld records within 15 days and to produce the case materials in a searchable format within 30 days.
- The measure allows redactions to protect victims’ identities and bars withholding records solely to prevent embarrassment or reputational harm to public figures.
- The vote followed a bipartisan discharge petition led by Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna that hit 218 signatures after Rep. Adelita Grijalva was sworn in, overcoming earlier efforts by Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson to block a vote.
- Survivors pressed lawmakers at the Capitol for full disclosure, and momentum intensified after House Oversight released roughly 20,000 pages from Epstein’s estate that referenced Trump and other high-profile figures.
- Next steps include Senate consideration where leaders have floated possible amendments on privacy, and supporters warn the Justice Department may cite ongoing investigations to delay or limit releases despite the bill’s constraints.