The US Senate has unanimously approved a House-backed bill that forces the Justice Department to release all case files linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The vote came after President Donald Trump abruptly changed his stance on whether the files should be made public.

The House had already passed the measure by a massive margin, voting 427-1. The only vote against the bill came from Republican Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana. He opposed releasing the files, which contain details tied to scandals that have shaken politics in the US and other countries.

Congress Demands Transparency in Epstein Case

Congress approved the Epstein Files Transparency Act with near-total support. The law requires the publication of all unclassified documents related to the investigation into Epstein, his criminal network, and his death in jail, which authorities ruled as suicide.

Lawmakers said the public has waited long enough for clarity. They stressed that people deserve answers in a case involving more than 1,000 alleged victims.

Members of both parties welcomed the Senate’s decision. They praised senators for acting quickly so the bill could be sent to Trump for his signature.

Key Voices React to the Senate Vote

Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana highlighted how smooth the process was. “I didn’t know what Sen. Thune was going to do, but the smart play here was to do it by (unanimous consent). Nobody was going to object, and indeed, nobody did object. Now we can move on from the issue,” he said.

He added, “The president will sign the bill, and presumably the documents will be released and the American people can make up their minds.”

Democratic Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont called the move long-awaited. He said the bill was “long overdue” and praised the four House Republicans who supported it despite what he described as the “incredible resistance of President Trump.”

What Happens Next?

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN that the House will formally send the bill to the Senate on Wednesday morning. After that step, the measure will be officially approved and forwarded to President Trump for his signature.

Trump has said he will not veto the legislation. However, experts in Washington do not expect quick or dramatic new revelations. A White House official noted that it remains unclear when Trump will sign the bill directing the Justice Department to release the files.

The Justice Department still has the authority to withhold information if releasing it “would jeopardise an active federal investigation.”

At an Oval Office event with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump insisted he had no connection to Epstein.
“I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein,” Trump told reporters Tuesday. “I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert.”