The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to release the Epstein files: 427 votes in favor and one against. However, this is only the first of three steps toward publication.

In the Jeffrey Epstein sex offender case, the US House of Representatives has voted to release all files. A large majority of representatives voted for a bill that would compel the Justice Department to publish the documents. The vote was 427 in favor and 1 against.

Specifically, the legislation concerns the release of investigative files. According to the bill in the House of Representatives, these documents from the Department of Justice, the District Attorney's Office, and the FBI are to be released no later than 30 days after the law takes effect: files relating to the investigations, prosecutions, and custody matters concerning Epstein and his former associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is currently in prison following a conviction.

Furthermore, flight logs from Epstein's private jet, including passenger lists, are to be published, thus naming individuals who associated with him. Documents relating to companies, non-profit organizations, or government agencies suspected of having connections to Epstein are also to be released.

The vote was preceded by a petition

President Donald Trump had long vehemently opposed the release of the investigative files in the case. Critics accuse him of trying to cover up his own possible involvement in the Epstein affair. Last week, however, Democratic lawmakers reaffirmed emails from the convicted sex offender that implicate Trump and suggest complicity.

On Sunday, Trump finally yielded to growing pressure from politics and society and recommended that his fellow party members in the House of Representatives vote in favor of the bill. His approval could also prompt the Senate to consider the legislation.

A small, bipartisan group of lawmakers submitted a petition in July to release the files - an attempt to circumvent Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, who normally controls which bills go to a vote.

At first, this seemed a hopeless endeavor – after all, Trump repeatedly told his supporters that the uproar surrounding the Epstein case was orchestrated by the Democrats. However, both Trump and Johnson failed in their attempts to prevent the vote.

Before the vote, several alleged victims of Epstein demanded the release of the images in front of the Capitol."Please stop politicizing this matter, it's not about you, President Trump," said Jena-Lisa Jones, who says she was sexually abused by Epstein when she was 14."I voted for you, but your conduct in this matter is a national disgrace."

Systematic abuse of underage girls

The influential US multimillionaire Epstein ran a sex trafficking ring for many years, claiming dozens of young women and minors as victims. He also abused his victims himself. After his conviction, the case was reopened years later, and Epstein was arrested again.

The New York financier died in his prison cell in 2019 at the age of 66, before any potential further sentencing. The autopsy report listed suicide as the cause of death.

Epstein's death and his extensive connections to the wealthy world sparked speculation about the possible involvement of influential circles. Before his arrest, celebrities and billionaires were frequent visitors to his home. Trump also spent time with Epstein, as evidenced by several party videos.

Two more approvals are needed for publication.

After the House of Representatives approves the measure, two further steps are necessary: The second chamber of Congress, the Republican-controlled Senate, must also approve it. Finally, President Trump must sign the legislation to authorize the Justice Department to release the investigation files.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican, has already announced a swift vote. The Senate will try to pass the bill as quickly as possible and then promptly forward it to President Trump. Previously, Thune had been cautious, stating that he trusted the Justice Department to release information about the investigation into Epstein.