House Passes Epstein Files Transparency Act: A Bipartisan Victory

On November 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly, 427-1, to release the Jeffrey Epstein files, marking a significant bipartisan achievement that some are calling a major defeat for President Donald Trump during his second term. The vote was notable not only for its margin but also for the diverse coalition that supported it, including both Democrats and Republicans. Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat from Silicon Valley, played a pivotal role in the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act, collaborating with Republican Representatives Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

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Ro Khanna's involvement in the legislation stemmed from his desire to address the injustices faced by Epstein's survivors. Initially, he faced skepticism from some colleagues who questioned the relevance of the issue compared to more immediate concerns like healthcare and inflation. However, Khanna emphasized the importance of the Epstein files, stating, “There is something legitimate here.” His ability to build relationships across party lines, particularly with Greene and Massie, was crucial in garnering support for the bill.

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Survivors of Epstein's abuse expressed gratitude for the bipartisan effort, with Haley Robson, an Epstein survivor, stating, “If it wasn’t for Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ro Khanna, I don’t think any of this would have been possible.” Khanna's meetings with survivors profoundly impacted him, shifting his focus from a general critique of the elite to a more personal understanding of the trauma experienced by victims. He acknowledged that he should have acted sooner, reflecting on missed opportunities to advocate for the release of the files during previous congressional sessions.

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In the aftermath of the vote, Khanna articulated his vision for a more inclusive Democratic Party, stating, “This is a proof of concept that we need to actually figure out how we bring disaffected MAGA voters into our coalition.” He believes that addressing systemic issues, such as the influence of wealthy elites, is essential for building a lasting majority for progressive Democrats. Meanwhile, Don Bacon, a retiring Republican representative, noted that Republicans had long sought to release the files, suggesting that Khanna's leadership was instrumental in finally achieving this goal.

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Despite the overwhelming support for the bill, some critics within the Republican Party, including Speaker Mike Johnson, labeled the vote a distraction from more pressing legislative matters. This sentiment reflects a divide among Republicans regarding the focus on the Epstein files versus other legislative priorities.

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Looking ahead, Khanna is exploring further bipartisan initiatives, including potential collaborations with Greene on issues such as banning private equity firms from acquiring single-family homes and extending Medicare eligibility. He aims to leverage the momentum from the Epstein files vote to foster broader cooperation between Democrats and Republicans on various policy issues.

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• “It feels like you can make a difference in Congress.” — Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative

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• “I think Ro Khanna is a brilliant human being. I think he stands for justice. He’s on the right side of history,” — Haley Robson, Epstein survivor

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• “I would have been more vocal in the Biden administration.” — Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative

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• “’ This is absolutely essential,” Khanna said.” — Ro Khanna, on building a coalition with disaffected voters

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