Who Voted to Release the Epstein Files

Who voted to release the Epstein files 2025: House 427-1 (Higgins lone no), Senate unanimous—full vote breakdown, bill details, controversies & what’s next.

On November 18, 2025, Congress delivered one of the most overwhelming bipartisan votes in recent history, compelling the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein's investigation—a move long demanded by survivors, transparency advocates, and the public amid lingering questions about powerful connections. Who voted to release the Epstein files? In the House, an astonishing 427 members (all but one) voted yes on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, while the Senate passed it by unanimous consent with no recorded "no" votes—sending the bill to President Trump's desk for signature. The lone dissenter was Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), who cited privacy concerns for innocents named in files.0d55fd This definitive guide—updated November 19, 2025—provides the full vote breakdown, key players, bill details, controversies, and what happens next, serving as the internet's most comprehensive resource on this landmark transparency push.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act: What the Bill Actually Does

The legislation, formally the Epstein Files Transparency Act (no HR number publicly cited in reports), requires the Attorney General to publicly release—in searchable, downloadable format—all unclassified DOJ records on Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, flight logs, communications, and related investigations within 30 days of enactment.

Core Provisions

Covers investigative materials, emails, notes, and entity connections.
Allows redactions for victim privacy and active probes.
No exemptions for "embarrassing" high-profile names.

Sponsored via discharge petition by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA), with support from Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).

For the official bill text once enrolled, check congress.gov (search "Epstein Files Transparency Act").

House Vote Breakdown: 427-1 Overwhelming Support

The House passed the bill on November 18, 2025, in a recorded vote of 427 yes, 1 no, with a handful not voting—one of the most lopsided tallies on a controversial issue.

Who Voted Yes (427 Members)

All Democrats present (including leaders like Hakeem Jeffries).
Nearly all Republicans (216 of 218 present), including Speaker Mike Johnson (despite earlier reservations), Freedom Caucus firebrands like Massie and Greene, and moderates.

Bipartisan champions: Massie/Khanna led the discharge petition; survivors like Annie Farmer witnessed from gallery, cheering as tally hit 427.443756

The Lone No Vote: Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA)

Clay Higgins (Louisiana's 3rd District) was the sole "no."
Reason: Bill "abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure" by potentially harming innocents (witnesses, alibis, family).3ddb0b
He favored Oversight Committee probe instead; would support amended version protecting privacy.

Higgins, a former cop and Trump ally, faced immediate backlash but stood firm.

Full roll call available at clerk.house.gov (search November 18, 2025 votes) or Washington Post interactive.

Senate Action: Unanimous Consent Passage

Hours after House approval, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer moved unanimous consent—passed without objection or recorded vote.

No "no" votes—any senator could object but none did.
Speed reflected bipartisan urgency; Majority Leader John Thune allowed swift action.

Bill now awaits President Trump's signature—expected, as he reversed opposition days prior.

Key Players Who Championed the Vote

The push overcame months of resistance.

Lead Sponsors and Petition Drivers

Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA): Bipartisan duo behind discharge petition.
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA): Vocal advocate; split with Trump over delay.
Survivors: Annie Farmer, Jena-Lisa Jones rallied outside Capitol.

Trump's weekend reversal ("I'm all for it") cleared GOP path.

Controversies and Criticisms of the Vote

Despite near-unanimity, debates raged.

Higgins' Stance: Privacy for non-criminals vs. full transparency.
Trump Flip-Flop: Initial opposition (called "hoax") to support amid base pressure.
Victim Protections: Bill allows redactions, but critics fear incomplete release.

Survivors celebrated: "We've waited long enough."

What Happens Next: Release Timeline and Expectations

If signed (expected soon):

DOJ must release within 30 days.
Searchable public database.
Potential thousands of pages—beyond 2024/2025 partial releases.

DOJ could redact heavily; lawsuits likely if withheld.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage in 2025

Cheers in House gallery; survivors hugged.

Social media exploded: #EpsteinFiles trending.
Global headlines: Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC covered Trump's reversal.

Critics: Some MAGA voices accused "deep state" sabotage.

Conclusion: A Landmark Step Toward Transparency

Who voted to release the Epstein files? An overwhelming bipartisan coalition of 427 House members and the entire Senate—minus one principled holdout in Clay Higgins—delivering justice for survivors and accountability for the powerful. This November 18, 2025, vote marks a rare unity moment, forcing long-withheld truths into light.

Stay informed—track releases at justice.gov or congress.gov. Thoughts on Higgins' vote or what files might reveal? Share below, tag a friend, and let's demand full disclosure. Transparency wins—keep pushing!