Within the first 20 words: Who voted against releasing the Epstein files today is the question many Americans are asking after Congress passed the transparency bill on Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal records.
Congress Moves to Release Epstein Files
The U.S. House of Representatives made history this week by approving a bill that forces the release of federal records tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities.
The Jeffrey Epstein Public Files Transparency Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support — 420 lawmakers voted in favor, while 6 voted against. The goal of the bill is to declassify and publish all non-sensitive federal documents related to Epstein’s crimes and his extensive network of associates.
While most lawmakers stood behind the measure, the few who opposed it have come under heavy public scrutiny.
Why This Vote Matters
For years, the public has demanded answers about Epstein’s powerful connections and how he evaded serious punishment for so long. The new legislation aims to address that demand by opening the files for everyone to see.
The bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI to release case materials, investigative files, and communications connected to Epstein’s criminal proceedings in both Florida and New York.
Only information that could reveal victim identities or jeopardize active investigations will be redacted. Everything else must be made public within 12 months.
This marks one of the largest transparency efforts in U.S. history, symbolizing a bipartisan push for accountability in a case that has shaken public trust.
The Six Lawmakers Who Opposed the Bill
While the vote passed with ease, six representatives — all Republicans — opposed the measure. Their names and committee roles are listed below:
| Name | Party | State | Committee Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Massie | Republican | Kentucky | House Judiciary Committee |
| Mike Garcia | Republican | California | House Appropriations Committee |
| Tom McClintock | Republican | California | House Oversight Committee |
| Andy Ogles | Republican | Tennessee | House Financial Services Committee |
| Diana Harshbarger | Republican | Tennessee | House Energy and Commerce Committee |
| Matt Rosendale | Republican | Montana | House Veterans’ Affairs Committee |
The group represents just over one percent of the House — but their “no” votes have drawn widespread attention and debate across social media and political circles.
Their Reasons for Voting No
Each of the six lawmakers gave a slightly different reason for opposing the measure, though they generally cited privacy and procedural concerns.
- Thomas Massie (KY) said that automatic declassification could expose the personal details of victims or individuals never charged with a crime.
- Mike Garcia (CA) raised logistical concerns, noting that reviewing thousands of pages for redactions would be costly and time-consuming.
- Tom McClintock (CA) emphasized fiscal caution, arguing that the bill’s broad language could waste government resources.
- Andy Ogles (TN) and Diana Harshbarger (TN) expressed worries about privacy violations and misuse of sensitive material.
- Matt Rosendale (MT) claimed the legislation was politically motivated, calling it a “symbolic vote” rather than substantive reform.
Although each representative defended their stance, their reasoning failed to convince most of their colleagues — or the public.
Broad Bipartisan Support for Transparency
Apart from the six dissenters, nearly every other member of Congress voted to release the records. Democrats and Republicans alike called the decision a “long-overdue act of accountability.”
Members from across the political spectrum, including progressive lawmakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and conservative figures like Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), supported the bill.
They emphasized that releasing Epstein’s files is essential for restoring public confidence in the justice system. Lawmakers argued that the public has a right to know how a case involving one of the world’s most influential offenders was handled.
A Long Road to This Vote
The move to make Epstein’s files public has been years in the making. The late financier’s crimes — and the powerful individuals allegedly connected to him — have been the subject of speculation since his first arrest in 2006.
After his death in 2019, demand for full disclosure only grew louder. Thousands of documents released through civil cases hinted at the depth of his network, but many federal files remained sealed.
In response to ongoing public pressure, lawmakers introduced the Epstein Files Transparency Act in 2024. After committee hearings and revisions, the bill finally reached the House floor in November 2025 — and passed overwhelmingly.
What the Files Will Include
Once implemented, the act will require multiple agencies to release all non-classified records related to Epstein’s cases. These may include:
- FBI and DOJ reports from investigations spanning 2006–2019.
- Communications between prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and federal agencies.
- Financial statements showing Epstein’s business dealings and offshore accounts.
- Flight manifests from his private jets and visitor logs from his properties.
- Internal memos from Epstein’s plea negotiations in Florida.
Only redactions involving ongoing investigations or victim identities will remain sealed.
The first set of files is expected to be released by spring 2026, with additional batches following throughout the year.
Public Response and Online Reaction
Within hours of the vote, the names of the six representatives who opposed the bill began trending across social platforms.
Thousands of users questioned why any elected official would reject transparency in a case that has long represented government secrecy and failure. Some accused the dissenters of protecting powerful interests, while others defended their votes as efforts to maintain due process.
Regardless of viewpoint, one fact was clear — the public overwhelmingly supports the release. Recent surveys show that more than 80% of Americans favor full disclosure of Epstein-related documents.
The wave of online discussion reflects just how deeply this case continues to affect public perception of justice and accountability.
Balancing Transparency and Privacy
Even among supporters of the bill, one ongoing challenge remains — finding the right balance between public transparency and privacy protections.
The Epstein files likely include sensitive personal details about victims, witnesses, and individuals who were never charged. Federal officials overseeing the release have pledged to handle redactions carefully to avoid re-traumatizing victims or spreading misinformation.
Still, many advocates believe that sunlight is the only path to restoring trust. They argue that decades of secrecy have allowed speculation to replace truth, making full transparency a moral and democratic necessity.
The Process Going Forward
Now that the bill has passed, the Department of Justice will begin coordinating the review and declassification process. A bipartisan oversight committee will monitor the timeline and ensure that all non-sensitive materials are made available.
The files will be published through an online government portal, with updates announced as each batch is released.
The process is expected to last into late 2026, depending on the volume of material and legal reviews required.
What the Vote Reveals About Congress
The overwhelming support for this bill shows that transparency remains one of the few areas where lawmakers can still unite. In an era of deep political division, the Epstein files vote was one of the most bipartisan acts of 2025.
It also demonstrates the growing pressure on public officials to respond to citizen demand for openness. Across the political spectrum, Americans have become less tolerant of secrecy surrounding powerful individuals.
By approving the release, Congress sent a clear message — that accountability applies to everyone, no matter their influence.
The Wider Implications of the Release
Beyond Epstein himself, this legislation sets a precedent for future transparency efforts. Legal experts say similar initiatives could follow in other cases involving federal secrecy or high-level corruption.
It could also reshape how federal agencies handle declassification requests. By streamlining this process, lawmakers hope to prevent similar controversies in the future.
For victims, the release offers the potential for closure. For the public, it represents a long-awaited step toward truth.
The Broader Meaning of the “No” Votes
For many Americans, the six dissenting votes symbolize a lingering resistance to openness. Whether rooted in privacy concerns or political caution, those votes stand out sharply against an overwhelming call for transparency.
Still, the fact that the bill passed so decisively suggests that Congress — and the country — is ready to confront the uncomfortable truths buried in those files.
What Happens Next
As the declassification process begins, all eyes will be on how quickly and completely the DOJ releases the records. The public expects results, not excuses.
Lawmakers on the oversight committee have already promised monthly updates to keep the process on schedule.
By early next year, the first glimpses of the long-hidden Epstein documents could finally be public — potentially reshaping how the country views one of the darkest criminal networks in modern history.
The release of the Epstein files could redefine transparency in America. Do you believe every record should be made public without restriction? Share your thoughts below!