US House Unanimously Approves Bill to Release Epstein Files, Heads to Senate
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In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the US House of Representatives has approved a bill to release the long-concealed files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with a near-unanimous vote count of 427-1. The bill, which forces the Justice Department to make the files public, will now be sent to the Senate for approval. The sudden shift in President Donald Trump's stance on the issue played a significant role in the bill's passage. Trump, who was once a close friend of Epstein, had initially opposed the release of the files, but reversed his position amid growing pressure from lawmakers and the public. The bill's passage is a significant victory for survivors of Epstein's abuse, who have been fighting for transparency and accountability for years. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who sponsored the bill, said that the survivors had fought a 'horrific fight' and that the bill's passage was a testament to their determination. House Speaker Mike Johnson, however, expressed concerns about the bill's potential consequences, arguing that it could reveal sensitive information about federal investigations and individuals. Despite these concerns, Johnson voted in favor of the bill, citing the need for maximum transparency. The bill will now head to the Senate, where it is expected to face a smoother passage. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to move the bill forward, and Senate majority leader John Thune has suggested that it could pass by unanimous consent. The release of the Epstein files is expected to shed new light on the investigation into his death in federal prison and the extent of his sex trafficking ring. The files will be released within 30 days of the bill's enactment, with information about victims and ongoing federal probes allowed to be redacted.
