US House votes overwhelmingly to make justice department release Epstein files

The vote followed months of bipartisan pressure that had initially faced strong resistance from Trump and House leaders. But when it became clear that efforts to block a vote would fail, Trump changed his position and said he supported releasing the files.

The bill will go to Trump if it clears the Senate. He told reporters on Monday that he would sign it if it reached his desk, though this remains uncertain. Democrats and the bill’s sponsors have urged Trump not to wait for Congress and instead order the Justice Department to release the documents now, which he has the authority to do.

After the vote, Democratic congressman Robert Garcia, the ranking member on the House oversight committee, called on Senate majority leader John Thune to take up the bill “immediately”. In remarks reported by The Guardian, Garcia said: “Donald Trump is panicking and trying to stop our investigation. We need to know what he’s hiding, and what powerful men are responsible for the rape and abuse of children and women.”

He added: “Donald Trump has the power to release the files today. But he chooses to delay and deflect. No more lies. No more secrets. We will get justice for the survivors. Release the files, now.”