After flip in support by Trump, Congress passes bill requiring the release by the DOJ of the Epstein files

Nov. 18, 2025

After President Donald J. Trump (R) reversed his initial opposition to the disclosure bill, Congress was expected to deliver the passed bill to the White House for signature. In the lower chambre of Congress, the bill passed by a vote of 427-1. In the upper chambre, the bill elicited unanimous consent to avoid a recorded vote. Already, doubts were forming as to whether Trump and the DOJ would honour the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

Further Reading :

• Congress passes bill to force the release of the Epstein files [NBC News]
  Nov. 18, 2025 — The overwhelming bipartisan votes come after President Donald Trump reversed course and encouraged Republicans to support the measure he had previously opposed.
• Congress to send bill to Trump to force disclosure of Jeffrey Epstein files [The Washington Post]
  Nov. 18, 2025 — Congress was poised Tuesday to send a bill to President Donald Trump to force the Justice Department to release files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, overcoming a months-long impasse in the House and quickly dispatching with the issue in the Senate.
• Why all the Epstein files may not come out even though Congress took action [USA Today]
  Nov. 18, 2025 — Will all the materials in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation see the light of day if Congress orders its release ? There's reason for doubt.

Source Documents :

• H.R. 4405 - Epstein Files Transparency Act : Rohit Khanna
  This bill requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish (in a searchable and downloadable format) all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Words :

• Charles E Schumer
• Donald J Trump
• Glen C. Higgins
• James M. Johnson
• Jeffrey Epstein
• U.S. Department of Justice