House passes bill to force DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein files. The legislation passed overwhelmingly and now moves to the Senate, where leaders say it is expected to pass. Supporters say the release will improve transparency; opponents cite privacy and legal concerns. Brendan Buck noted the strong House vote 'puts a ton of pressure on the Senate.'
House Forces DOJ to Release Epstein Files — Lawmakers Say Senate Is Under Pressure
House passes bill to force DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein files. The legislation passed overwhelmingly and now moves to the Senate, where leaders say it is expected to pass. Supporters say the release will improve transparency; opponents cite privacy and legal concerns. Brendan Buck noted the strong House vote 'puts a ton of pressure on the Senate.'
07:12 AM, 11/19/2025Politics
Congress voted decisively to compel the Department of Justice to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The House approved the measure by an overwhelming margin and sent it to the Senate, where leaders say the chamber is expected to act.
What happened
The House passed legislation that would require the Department of Justice to turn over records connected to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein. The vote was lopsided, signaling strong bipartisan interest in making the files public.
Why it matters
Supporters argue the release would increase transparency and help the public and investigators better understand the scope of the case and any government handling of related materials. Critics have raised concerns about privacy and ongoing legal considerations, but the House majority pushed the bill forward to force accountability.
Reactions from Capitol Hill
Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated the Senate is likely to approve the measure. Former House press secretary Brendan Buck said the decisive House vote 'puts a ton of pressure on the Senate' to follow suit. Reporter Ali Vitali provided on-the-ground coverage from Capitol Hill, and commentators including Cornell Belcher and Tara Palmeri discussed the implications and next steps.
'That vote puts a ton of pressure on the Senate,' Brendan Buck said, highlighting the political momentum behind the push for disclosure.
The bill's progression to the Senate begins a new phase: lawmakers, legal advisers and the Justice Department will now navigate the process for turning over the requested documents while weighing legal and privacy constraints.