Justice Department ordered to publish Epstein files within 30 days
Signed into lawH.R. 4405Latest action
Sponsor: Ro Khanna · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Epstein Files Transparency Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 4405 gives DOJ 30 days to post Epstein investigative records online in searchable form, with strict limits on what can be redacted.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 4405 requires the Department of Justice to release records from the FBI and federal prosecutors related to Jeffrey Epstein, including investigations, flight logs, immunity deals, internal communications, and documents about his detention and death. Records tied to Ghislaine Maxwell and others connected to Epstein's criminal network are also covered. All documents must be posted online in a searchable, downloadable format.
Who does it affect?
The law primarily affects the Department of Justice and FBI. It also directly involves public figures, government officials, and organizations named in the files, as well as survivors, whose privacy protections are written into the law.
Why does it matter?
Officials are prohibited from withholding records solely because release would be embarrassing or politically inconvenient. Within 15 days after the release, the Attorney General must send Congress a report listing what was released, what was withheld, and why, including unredacted names of any government officials or public figures mentioned.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 15, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-38.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 289
As recorded
- Question
- On Motion to and Pass
- Result:
- Passed
- 427
- Nay
- 1
- 0
- 5
Republicans 216 yes, 1 no, 2 not voting · Democrats 211 yes, 3 not voting
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record