Epstein Files Congressional Vote: Full Overview
In November 2025, Congress made headlines by overwhelmingly passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of all Justice Department files and communications related to Jeffrey Epstein’s investigation, except for limited redactions to protect victims’ identities and ongoing investigations.
House of Representatives Vote
- Outcome: The House voted 427–1 to approve the bill requiring the release of Epstein files.
- Lone ‘No’ Vote: Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana was the only member to vote against the measure, later stating his concerns about government transparency and privacy as his reasons [BBC] [Politico].
- Bipartisan support: The bill saw support from both parties; leadership noted the American public’s demand for answers in the Epstein case [CBS News] [NBC News].
Senate Vote
- Outcome: The Senate passed the bill unanimously, 100–0, indicating extremely rare cross-party unity on the issue [CNN] [NY Times].
- Veto-Proof Majority: These overwhelming majorities (well over two-thirds in each chamber) mean the bill would have easily overcome a presidential veto, requiring at least 290 House votes and 67 Senate votes for override [PBS].
Next Steps
- Presidential Action: President Donald Trump publicly indicated his intent to sign the measure into law, following the bipartisan momentum and public interest in transparency [AP News].
Why This Matters
- The bill’s passage reflects a rare moment of overwhelming bipartisan consensus in Congress to promote government transparency regarding a high-profile criminal investigation.
- With all relevant Justice Department documents to be released, except for specific redactions, the public and media will gain unprecedented insight into the Epstein case and associated proceedings [CBS News].
Selected References
- CNN: Senate unanimously agrees to send Epstein bill to Trump’s desk
- BBC: Clay Higgins—the lone lawmaker to vote against releasing the Epstein files
- CBS News: Epstein files bill will head to Trump’s desk after approval by House and Senate
- AP News: Congress acts swiftly to force release of Epstein files, and Trump agrees to sign bill
- PBS NewsHour: What comes next after Congress votes to release the Epstein files
- NY Times: After House Vote to Release Epstein Files, Senate Agrees to Send
- NBC News: Congress passes bill to force the release of the Epstein files
- Politico: Clay Higgins explains why he was the lone ‘no’ vote on Epstein files
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