Congress passes bill ordering release of Epstein files as survivors push for transparency

After decades of delays, efforts to bring full accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case are now accelerating.

(NBC)- After decades of delays, efforts to bring full accountability in the Jeffrey Epstein case are now accelerating, with a bill requiring the Justice Department to release its sealed Epstein files headed to President Trump’s desk. The legislation sailed through both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Survivors of Epstein’s abuse cheered the vote during a candlelight vigil, celebrating what they describe as long-overdue recognition. “The power of being heard and being recognized and being validated is incredibly healing,” said survivor Annie Farmer.

Only one member of Congress — a Republican — voted against the measure. For months, some GOP leaders and the president resisted the bill, urging alternative transparency methods and warning that releasing names could expose innocent people and potentially create new victims.

House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged those concerns, saying, “It needed amendments. I just spoke with the President about that. We’ll see what happens.”

In the end, President Trump urged Republicans to support the legislation and pledged to sign it. When asked why he wouldn’t simply release the files himself, the president pushed back, saying, “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert. But I guess I turned out to be right.” Trump has not been accused of any wrongdoing tied to Epstein.

Survivors emphasized that their push for transparency is not political. “What we endured was real, and it has scarred lives across five presidential administrations,” said survivor Sharlene Rochard. “The truth has been buried in sealed files and hidden records for far too long.”

Under the bill, the Justice Department must release the Epstein records within 30 days of the president’s signature.