US House expected to approve resolution to release Epstein files

November 18, 2025

The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to vote on a bipartisan measure requiring the Justice Department to release documents from investigations into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with survivors planning to appear on Capitol Hill in support. President Trump reversed his earlier opposition to the resolution and now says he will sign it if both congressional chambers approve it, though he previously resisted releasing the files after taking office. The measure's fate remains uncertain as it must still pass the Senate, where Republican leaders have indicated they may modify provisions related to victim and whistleblower protections, which could delay the process.

Who is affected

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse
President Donald Trump and other high-profile individuals in Epstein's orbit
Former President Bill Clinton and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers (subjects of new federal investigations)
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Thomas Massie (Republican supporters)
Representative Robert Garcia (top Democrat on House Oversight Committee)
Attorney General Pam Bondi
Members of both the House and Senate
The group World Without Exploitation

What action is being taken

The House of Representatives is voting on the resolution on Tuesday
Survivors of Epstein's abuse are appearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday in support of the measure
The group World Without Exploitation is projecting images of survivors onto buildings throughout Washington
Attorney General Pam Bondi is beginning federal investigations into Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and others
Lawmakers from both parties are working on the resolution to force file releases

Why it matters

This resolution matters because members of both parties believe the Epstein files could implicate powerful figures in serious crimes involving sex trafficking and abuse. The case represents a test of government transparency and accountability, particularly given President Trump's reversal on the issue and allegations that he is attempting to deflect attention from investigations. The release of these documents is significant to survivors seeking justice and public accountability, though protections for ongoing investigations and victim privacy must be balanced against demands for full disclosure.

What's next

The Senate must approve the measure after the House vote
Senate Republican leaders may modify the resolution to address concerns about victim and whistleblower protections
If the Senate changes the measure, the two chambers will need to reconcile their different versions into one final version
President Trump would then sign the reconciled resolution into law
Attorney General Bondi can withhold documents that would jeopardize active federal investigations or ongoing prosecutions

Read full article from source: BBC