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When is the Epstein files vote - and what happens next?

November 17, 2025

President Trump has reversed his earlier opposition to releasing Jeffrey Epstein-related files, now urging Republicans to support their public disclosure after facing potential party rebellion. The House of Representatives is expected to vote Tuesday on legislation requiring the Justice Department to release all Epstein files within 30 days in searchable format, a measure likely to pass given bipartisan interest. However, the bill faces uncertainty in the Republican-controlled Senate, where Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to bringing it forward despite mounting pressure.

Who is affected

  • President Donald Trump
  • Congressional Republicans (specifically those signaling willingness to vote against Trump's initial position)
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune
  • Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso
  • Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene
  • Representative Thomas Massie
  • Ghislaine Maxwell (imprisoned Epstein co-conspirator)
  • Government officials mentioned in Epstein case files
  • Bill Clinton and Larry Summers (mentioned as potential investigation targets)
  • The Justice Department and Attorney General
  • Campaigners seeking file release

What action is being taken

  • The House of Representatives is voting on Tuesday on a measure to compel Justice Department file release
  • President Trump is encouraging Republicans to vote for the measure
  • Senate Republicans are considering whether to take up the bill if it passes the House
  • Trump stated he will call for an investigation into Epstein's alleged links with prominent Democrats

Why it matters

  • The Epstein files could reveal information about government officials and other individuals connected to the case, potentially exposing criminal activities or misconduct involving powerful figures. The issue has become a significant test of Trump's influence over Congressional Republicans, as members from both parties are demanding transparency. The controversy highlights tensions between presidential authority, congressional independence, and public demands for accountability in high-profile criminal cases involving elite figures.

What's next

  • House vote expected on Tuesday
  • If passed in the House, the Senate would decide whether to take up the measure
  • If passed by Senate, the bill would go to President Trump's desk for signing
  • Upon signing, the Justice Department would have 30 days to release files in searchable format
  • Trump plans to call for an investigation into Epstein's alleged links with Democrats like Bill Clinton and Larry Summers

Read full article from source: BBC