Who Voted Against the Epstein Files

Who voted against the Epstein files 2025: Only Rep. Clay Higgins said no in 427–1 House vote—full reasons, backlash, bill details & why his privacy stance stood alone.

On November 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act in one of the most lopsided votes in modern history — 427–1 — demanding full public release of all unclassified Jeffrey Epstein documents. In a chamber often paralyzed by partisanship, only one member voted against the Epstein files: Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-3), a former police captain and Trump loyalist who argued the bill would violate centuries of due-process protections for innocent people named in raw investigative files. This exhaustive guide — the internet’s most complete resource on the topic — answers who voted against the Epstein files, why, the exact vote tally, reactions, and what it means for transparency moving forward.

The Vote in Numbers: 427 Yes, 1 No, Senate Unanimous

Who voted against the Epstein files? Only Rep. Glen Clay Higgins (R-Louisiana). Every other voting member — Democrat and Republican — supported release.

Full House roll-call available at the Office of the Clerk and interactive tracker at The Washington Post.

Profile: Who Is Rep. Clay Higgins, the Sole “No” Vote?

Glen Clay Higgins (born August 24, 1961) represents Louisiana’s 3rd District (Lafayette, Lake Charles, southwest Louisiana) since 2017.

Quick Facts

• Former Army Military Police and 20-year law enforcement veteran.
• Nicknamed “Cajun John Wayne” for viral 2014–2016 Crime Stoppers videos.
• Member of House Oversight (Chairman, Federal Law Enforcement Subcommittee) and Homeland Security.
• Strong Trump supporter; rated 98% alignment with Trump agenda.

His law-enforcement background directly informed his vote, as he repeatedly cited experience with investigative files.

Why Clay Higgins Voted No: His Full Explanation

Higgins released a detailed statement on November 18, 2025, emphasizing constitutional protections.

Direct Quotes from Higgins

• “This bill abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure in America.”
• “Releasing raw, unredacted investigative files would destroy innocent people — witnesses, alibis, family members who had nothing to do with Epstein’s crimes.”
• “I support transparency and accountability, but not at the expense of ruining lives of factually innocent citizens.”
• “I would vote YES on an amended bill that protects the innocent.”

He advocated Oversight Committee review with targeted, redacted releases instead of blanket disclosure.

Read his complete statement on his official website: clayhiggins.house.gov.

The Bill's Safeguards: Did Higgins Misread Redaction Provisions?

Critics argue Higgins overlooked existing protections.

What the Bill Actually Says

• Allows redactions for victim privacy, national security, and ongoing investigations.
• Requires searchable, downloadable format for unclassified material only.

Higgins maintained even redacted leaks could harm innocents, citing historical DOJ mishandling.

Legal experts (e.g., former prosecutors on MSNBC) called his concerns "overstated but not baseless."

Immediate Backlash and Defense of the Lone Vote

Reaction was swift and polarized.

Criticism

• Accusations of "protecting pedophiles" trended worldwide.
• Survivors' advocates: "Deeply disappointing."
• Left-leaning media framed it as obstruction.

Support

• Privacy hawks praised due-process stance.
• Some MAGA voices: "Only man with principles in DC."
• Legal commentators noted valid concerns about unvetted raw data.

By November 19, Higgins was the #1 trending topic on X.

How Other Key Figures Voted: Bipartisan Unity

Even controversial members aligned — making Higgins' dissent stand out starkly.

Broader Implications: Privacy vs. Full Disclosure Debate

The vote crystallizes 2025's transparency tension.

Questions Raised

• Can victim privacy and innocent protection coexist with total release?
• Will DOJ redact aggressively, rendering the bill symbolic?
• Precedent for future high-profile cases?

Higgins' stand — though unpopular — forced Congress to confront these trade-offs.

What Happens Next: Timeline for File Release

Assuming President Trump signs (expected):

• DOJ has 30 days to publish.
• Thousands of pages anticipated.
• Oversight Committee (chaired by Higgins' allies) may conduct parallel review.

Potential lawsuits if redactions deemed excessive.

Track progress at justice.gov/epstein-files (anticipated portal).

Conclusion: One Man's Stand in a Sea of Yes Votes

Who voted against the Epstein files? Only Rep. Clay Higgins — a decision rooted in his belief that unchecked disclosure sacrifices due process and innocent lives for political theater. Love him or loathe him, his lone "no" on November 18, 2025, ensured the debate over transparency versus privacy will outlive the headlines.

Stay informed — bookmark congress.gov and [clayhiggins.house.gov for updates. Do you think Higgins was right to protect potential innocents, or should everything be released unredacted? Drop your take in the comments, share this guide, and let’s keep the conversation alive. Truth and justice deserve both sides.