The US Home of Representatives voted 427-1 on Tuesday (November 18) to compel the Justice Division to publicly launch its recordsdata on convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The sweeping victory overcame months of resistance from President Donald Trump.
Trump now says he’ll signal the invoice if it passes the Senate.
Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana solid the lone vote in opposition to the invoice, regardless of chairing a subcommittee that lately subpoenaed the Justice Division for a similar paperwork.
Survivors demand accountability
Abuse survivors rallied outdoors the Capitol on Tuesday morning, describing years of trauma and authorities inaction.
“These ladies have fought probably the most horrific battle that no girl ought to must battle,” mentioned Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, standing alongside a number of survivors. “We fought so exhausting in opposition to probably the most highly effective individuals on this planet, even the president of the US, to make this vote occur right this moment.”
Survivor Jena-Lisa Jones, who mentioned she voted for Trump, pleaded with the president instantly: “I urge you, Donald Trump, please cease making this political.”
Regardless of calling the invoice a “uncooked and apparent political train,” Speaker Johnson mentioned he would vote for it to keep away from showing against transparency.
“None of us wish to go on report… being accused of not being for optimum transparency,” he mentioned.
Democrats declare victory
Democrats hailed the vote as a historic win for the minority.
“It’s an entire and whole give up,” mentioned Home Democratic Chief Hakeem Jeffries. “The survivors and the American individuals deserve full and full transparency.”
The Home Oversight Committee has already launched 1000’s of pages of paperwork from Epstein’s property, revealing ties to world leaders, financiers, political figures — and Trump himself.
What the Invoice requires
If enacted, the invoice would pressure the Justice Division to launch — inside 30 days — all recordsdata, communications, and investigative supplies associated to Epstein, together with particulars on the investigation into his 2019 demise in federal custody.
The invoice explicitly bars withholding data because of “embarrassment, reputational hurt, or political sensitivity.”
Delicate particulars about victims and ongoing investigations could also be redacted.
Now, the invoice heads to Senate
The invoice’s future within the Senate is unclear. Senate Majority Chief John Thune has averted committing assist, saying he trusts the Justice Division to launch data by itself.
However the DOJ below Trump has thus far launched little past what was already public.
Johnson has signaled he needs the Senate to strengthen protections for victims, whereas the invoice’s sponsors, Reps. Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, warned senators to not derail the laws.
“We’ve needlessly dragged this out for 4 months,” Massie mentioned. “These elevating issues with the invoice are afraid that folks might be embarrassed. Effectively, that’s the entire level right here.”
