Congressional Mandate for Epstein File Release
US President Donald Trump has signed legislation directing the Department of Justice to release all its files from the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The bill, which received overwhelming approval in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, mandates the release of these files "in a searchable and downloadable format" within 30 days of the bill's enactment.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives debated and passed the measure with a vote of 427-1, with one Republican congressman, Clay Higgins, voting against it. Five lawmakers did not vote. The Senate subsequently approved the resolution.
Presidential Action and Timeline
President Trump announced on Wednesday, via his Truth Social platform, that he had signed the bill into law, thereby initiating the 30-day period for the files' release. This action followed earlier resistance from the President regarding the unsealing of federal investigation documents related to Epstein.
Scope of Released Documents
This resolution specifically targets materials held by the Department of Justice. While the House Oversight Committee has already made public thousands of documents from the Epstein estate, the newly mandated release covers records that could include information pertaining to Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as individuals – including government officials – referenced within the case. Internal Justice Department documents may also be included.
Potential for Withholding and Redaction
The legislation permits the Justice Department to withhold documents that "jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution," provided such withholding is "narrowly tailored and temporary." This provision could potentially lead to delays or redactions in the released materials. Concerns have been raised by some Republican lawmakers and advocates that such clauses could be utilized to slow the disclosure process, particularly in light of calls for further investigations into Epstein's associates, such as Bill Clinton and Larry Summers.