Both chambers of US Congress have agreed to order the US Justice Department to release its files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the measure in a 427-1 vote, and the Senate is expected to pass the bill shortly. President Trump must sign it into law, and he has indicated his willingness to do so after initially opposing the release.

Survivors of Epstein's abuse participated in discussions at the US Capitol, expressing their pain of 'institutional betrayal' over the years. The Epstein Files include a wealth of documents from criminal investigations, featuring victim testimonies and crucial evidence gathered during police raids.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune anticipates swift action on the bill, which compels the release of unclassified records within 30 days of the president’s signature. However, there are hurdles ahead; the Attorney General has the discretion to overshadow information that might compromise ongoing federal investigations or victim identities.

Epstein, found dead in his prison cell in 2019, was facing serious sex trafficking charges. His connections to powerful individuals, including Trump, remain highly scrutinized. Trump has publicly denied any wrongdoing associated with Epstein, suggesting his social circles predated Epstein's crimes.

The bill was propelled by bipartisan efforts, with some lawmakers expressing their commitment to ensuring justice for Epstein's victims. Key figures like Congressman Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khanna led this initiative, despite some Republican opposition.

The urgency for transparency has heightened as more than 20,000 pages relating to Epstein’s estate were made public recently. Activists demand full disclosure to ensure accountability and help close the chapter on the grim legacy of Epstein's crimes.