On November 17, 2025, the House of Representatives reached a significant milestone by gathering 218 signatures for a discharge petition supporting the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This bipartisan effort, primarily driven by Democrats and supported by some Republicans, seeks to compel the U.S. Department of Justice to release approximately 100,000 pages of documents concerning Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex trafficking and died in federal custody in 2019.

The petition gained momentum following the swearing-in of Arizona Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva, and House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that a vote will be scheduled for November 18, 2025. The initiative has garnered notable bipartisan support, with reports indicating that over 50 Republican representatives may back the resolution, despite previous resistance from the Trump administration.

Key figures in this legislative push include Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna of California, who have been vocal advocates for transparency regarding Epstein's extensive network. Massie has cautioned his colleagues that opposing the release could be perceived as protecting individuals involved in Epstein's criminal activities, potentially jeopardizing their political futures.

The political landscape surrounding the Epstein case has been complicated by former President Donald Trump's recent call for House Republicans to support the release of the files. Trump, who had previously attempted to suppress the legislative effort, framed the issue as a distraction from Republican achievements. His shift in stance has raised questions about the motivations behind the push for transparency, especially in light of ongoing investigations into Epstein's connections to various political figures, including Trump himself.

The House Oversight Committee has also been active in investigating Epstein's case, recently releasing over 20,000 documents that reveal correspondence between Epstein and influential individuals. These documents have intensified scrutiny regarding the potential complicity of powerful entities in Epstein's activities.

Survivors of Epstein's abuse have been vocal in their demands for transparency, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic reform in addressing issues of sexual exploitation. Their calls for the release of the files highlight the broader societal implications of the Epstein case and the importance of ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard.

As the bill moves to the Senate, it will require a supermajority to pass, underscoring the challenges of achieving bipartisan support in a politically charged environment. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Epstein files reflects broader concerns about accountability, transparency, and the need for systemic reform in addressing issues of sexual exploitation and abuse.