The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on November 18 to release all unclassified records related to the federal investigation into the late disgraced financier and accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, who had ties to high-profile figures including President Donald Trump.
By a vote of 427-1, the House of Representatives passed the Epstein File Transparency Act, which would require the federal government to release Epstein documents. The Senate unanimously passed the bill shortly after, sending it to President Trump for his signature.
Who voted against releasing the Epstein files?
One Republican, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, voted against the House bill. Three Democrats and two Republicans did not vote.
Higgins posted on X why he opposes the bill, writing: “If enacted in its current form, this type of large-scale exposure of criminal investigation files to a frenzied media would undoubtedly harm innocent people.”
Why did Trump initially oppose this bill?
President Trump, who had previously resisted releasing the files, indicated on November 17 that he would sign the bill if it passed both houses of Congress. The president has denied knowing about Epstein’s abuse allegations.
The House vote comes after months of pressure from many Americans, including supporters of Donald Trump, Democrats and even some Republicans, to release the Epstein files.
The bill is one of the first significant departures from Congressional Republicans from President Trump’s wishes since the start of his second term. President Trump, who initially opposed the Epstein File Transparency Act introduced by Representatives Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), called on House Republicans over the weekend to support the bill.
Despite Republican concerns about protecting victims’ privacy, the bill passed overwhelmingly, USA TODAY reported.
House Speaker Mike Johnson was among the Republicans to vote in favor of the bill. He said his support depends on whether the Senate makes changes to better protect victim information that is made public.
Zachary Schermele, Sarah D. Wyer, Francesca Chambers, Erin Mansfield, Melina Kahn, USA TODAY Contributor
SOURCE USA TODAY NETWORK REPORTS AND INVESTIGATIONS. Reuters;House.Government
This is a developing story and will be updated.
