(MENAFN) Both chambers of Congress have agreed to direct the US Justice Department to release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives approved the measure overwhelmingly, 427-1, while the Senate fast-tracked it unanimously without a formal vote.

The move follows President Donald Trump’s reversal, after initially opposing disclosure, urging Congress to release the records amid public pressure. Last week, more than 20,000 pages of Epstein-related documents were made public, some mentioning Trump, though the White House denied any wrongdoing.

Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana was the sole House dissenting vote, citing concerns about “innocent people being hurt.” House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had previously called the release push a “Democrat hoax,” supported the bill on Tuesday.

After the House vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer brought up the measure under unanimous consent, allowing it to pass without debate or amendments. The bill will now go to Trump’s desk, where he is expected to sign it into law, although a congressional vote was not required for release.

The legislation mandates Attorney General Pam Bondi to release “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days of enactment. Bondi may withhold information that could compromise ongoing federal investigations or identify victims.

Epstein, who died in a New York prison cell in 2019, was facing sex trafficking charges and had a prior 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. During two criminal investigations, thousands of documents were collected, including victim and witness interviews.

Trump and Epstein had previously socialized in similar circles, but the president said he cut ties years before Epstein’s 2008 conviction and claimed he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal activities.

Last week, House Oversight Democrats published email chains between Epstein and Maxwell, some referencing Trump. One 2011 email noted, “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump.. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him,” referencing Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre.

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