The U.S. Congress took a decisive step toward transparency on November 19, 2025, as both chambers overwhelmingly approved legislation requiring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to disclose records tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives voted 427-1 to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act earlier in the day, followed by unanimous Senate approval hours later.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating it would be enacted 'without changes, without delay' once formally transmitted from the House. The legislation mandates the DOJ to release all unclassified materials related to Epstein’s investigations and prosecutions, including communications and documents. Exceptions apply for victim identities or details that might compromise active federal cases.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign the bill into law, marking a rare bipartisan effort to address public demands for accountability. The move comes amid renewed global scrutiny of high-profile cases involving financial crimes and abuse of power, resonating with audiences tracking governance reforms and judicial transparency in Asia and beyond.
