On November 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates the release of federal files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors. The bill passed with a vote of 427-1, indicating significant bipartisan support despite initial opposition from some Republican members, including President Donald Trump, who later shifted his stance.

Survivors of Epstein's abuse gathered at the U.S. Capitol to advocate for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the sake of justice and accountability. Haley Robson, one of the survivors, highlighted their fight for children who were unable to advocate for themselves, stating, "We are fighting for the children that were abandoned and left behind in the reckoning."

Another survivor, Jena-Lisa Jones, criticized Trump for previously dismissing the Epstein case as a "Democrat hoax" and urged him to demonstrate genuine leadership. She expressed concern over the political maneuvering surrounding the issue, stating, "It is not about you, President Trump. Please start acting like it."

The bill, co-sponsored by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna, aims to compel the Justice Department to release approximately 100,000 pages of documents related to Epstein's activities. While the legislation allows for redactions concerning the identities of victims or ongoing investigations, it prohibits withholding information solely due to concerns about embarrassment or political sensitivity.

Despite the bill's passage in the House, it is expected to face challenges in the Senate, where bipartisan sponsors have urged against amendments that could complicate the process. The scrutiny surrounding the Epstein files has intensified, particularly regarding Trump's past associations with Epstein, which have been highlighted in various documents. Trump has denied any wrongdoing, but the ongoing debate reflects broader concerns about accountability and transparency in government, especially regarding powerful individuals and their connections to criminal activities.

The legislative effort was made possible by a discharge petition that garnered 218 signatures, allowing lawmakers to bypass opposition from House leadership. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who supported the bill, emphasized the struggle of survivors and their collective efforts to confront powerful individuals, including the President of the United States. As the Senate prepares to act on the bill, the survivors continue to advocate for systemic changes to prevent future abuses.