In a rare show of unity, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 427–1 on Tuesday to release long-sealed federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein — a move that could shed new light on one of the most controversial criminal cases in modern American history.
The bipartisan vote marked a decisive moment in a years-long public campaign for transparency. Yet one Republican, Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana, broke from the pack — warning that the current version of the bill could expose innocent people caught up in the investigation.
“I’ve been a principled ‘no’ from the beginning,” Higgins said in a statement. “This bill, as written, abandons centuries of criminal justice procedure. It risks injuring thousands of Americans — witnesses, family members, and others who were never accused of a crime.”
He added that his vote was about protecting privacy, not secrecy. “If the Senate makes changes to safeguard those named but not implicated, I’ll support it when it comes back,” Higgins said.
President Donald Trump publicly backed the release of the Epstein files, saying Republicans “have nothing to hide” and that it’s time to move past what he called a “Democrat hoax.”
“House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files because we have nothing to hide,” Trump wrote on Truth Social over the weekend. “It’s time to move on from this Democrat hoax perpetrated by radical left lunatics who want to distract from our success.”
He added that the country should be focusing on “real issues that matter to Americans — the economy, affordability, lower inflation, strong borders, and the rebuilding of our military.”
In a fiery exchange with reporters on Monday, Trump bristled at a question suggesting his administration might delay the release. “Fake news keeps bringing this up to deflect from the tremendous success of this administration,” he said. “We’re focused on delivering results for the American people.”
The bill would require federal agencies to declassify and release thousands of pages tied to Epstein’s activities, his network, and the government’s past handling of his case.
The House Oversight Committee has already released over 60,000 pages of documents — including court filings, flight records, and communications between agencies — but many of the most sensitive materials remain sealed.
If signed into law, the Justice Department would have 90 days to make the files public, barring sections that could endanger victims or ongoing investigations.
Republicans have framed the release as a step toward restoring trust in the system, while many Democrats agree it’s a necessary act of transparency.
“Americans deserve to know the truth, no matter who it implicates,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
The bill now heads to the Senate, where both parties are expected to support passage. If approved, it will move to President Trump’s desk for final signature or veto.
Political analysts say Trump faces a careful balancing act: supporting transparency while ensuring the release doesn’t violate privacy or national security.
“President Trump has positioned himself as a defender of accountability,” said Dr. Avery Cole, a Georgetown political historian. “If he signs this, it will send a message that even the most sensitive issues aren’t off-limits when it comes to public trust.”
The vote comes amid renewed public interest in the Epstein case, which has fueled years of speculation about powerful figures who may have had ties to the financier before his death in 2019.
Victims’ advocates praised the House decision as a long-overdue victory for justice. “This is about truth and closure,” said attorney Lisa Bloom, who represents several Epstein survivors. “Every American deserves to see what was hidden behind closed doors.”
As the country awaits the Senate’s decision, one thing is clear: the push for transparency has united nearly every corner of Congress — and it’s setting up a pivotal test for the White House.
Source: U.S. Congressional Record, Truth Social posts, and public statements by Rep. Clay Higgins.
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So be it. Let the cards fall where they may. Anybody who sexually abused these girls, hang th