The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to release the Epstein files: 427 yes votes to one no vote. But this is only the first of three steps towards publication.
The US House of Representatives has decided to release all files related to the case of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A majority of lawmakers voted in favor of legislation that would force the Justice Ministry to make the documents public. 427 yes votes compared to one no vote.
Especially related to the publication of investigation files. According to a bill in the House of Representatives, these documents from the Department of Justice, the prosecutor’s office and the Federal Police’s FBI must be made public no later than 30 days after the law goes into effect: documents relating to investigations, prosecutions and detentions related to Epstein and his former confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is in prison after being found guilty.
Additionally, for example, flight records from Epstein’s private jet along with passenger lists should be made public so that people traveling with him should be named. Documents regarding companies, non-profit organizations or government agencies suspected of having ties to Epstein must also be made public.
The vote is preceded by a petition
President Donald Trump has long strongly opposed disclosing the investigative files on this case. Critics accused him of wanting to cover up his possible involvement in the Epstein affair. But last week, Democratic lawmakers confirmed emails from a convicted sex offender that incriminate Trump and suggest he was an accomplice.
On Sunday, Trump finally gave in to mounting pressure from politics and society and recommended that his party colleagues in the House of Representatives vote in favor of the plan. Its approval could also encourage the Senate to approve the bill.
A small, bipartisan group of lawmakers filed a petition in July to release the documents, an effort to bypass House Republican Leader Mike Johnson, who actually controls which bills get voted on.
At first, this seemed like a futile effort — after all, Trump repeatedly told his supporters that the uproar surrounding the Epstein case was orchestrated by the Democratic Party. But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote.
Before the vote, several of Epstein’s victims demanded release in front of the Capitol. “Please stop politicizing this issue, this is not about you, President Trump,” said Jena-Lisa Jones, who said she was sexually abused by Epstein when she was 14. “I voted for you, but your behavior in this matter is a national embarrassment.”
Systematic abuse of underage girls
Influential American multimillionaire Epstein ran a years-long abuse network that victimized dozens of young women and minors. He also committed suicide against his victims. After he was found guilty as a criminal, the case was reopened several years later. Epstein was arrested again.
The New York financier died in his prison cell in 2019 at the age of 66, before possible further punishment. The autopsy report listed suicide as the cause of death.
Epstein’s death and his extensive contacts with the wealthy world have sparked speculation about the possible involvement of influential circles. Before his arrest, celebrities and billionaires were in and out of his home. Trump also spent time with Epstein, as several party videos show.
Two more votes for publication required
Once the House of Representatives votes “yes,” two more steps are required: The second chamber of Congress, the Republican-controlled Senate, must also approve it. In addition, as president, Trump must give his final signature so that the Justice Department can be ordered to open the investigative files.
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune has announced a snap vote. The Senate will try to pass the bill as quickly as possible and then quickly forward it to President Trump. So far, Thune has remained cautious and confident the Justice Department will release information about its investigation into Epstein.
