Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) - Public Law 119-38

EPSTEIN FILES TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2025 H.R. 4405 (119th Congress), Enacted as Public Law 119-38 This congressional record tracks legislation requiring the Department of Justice to release unclassified records tied to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The bill was introduced in the House on July 15, 2025, by Representative Ro Khanna, then moved through House and Senate consideration, and was signed into law on November 19, 2025. As enacted, the law directs DOJ to publish responsive unclassified records in formats that are searchable, downloadable, and publicly accessible, rather than limiting access to case-by-case requests. It also imposes disclosure timelines and identifies categories expected to be covered, including investigative and administrative records linked to federal handling of Epstein-related matters. The law preserves narrow redaction authority for sensitive material such as victims' personally identifying information, child sexual abuse material, and information that could compromise active prosecutions or national security. Outside those categories, the statute is designed to constrain discretionary withholding that is based only on reputational or political concerns. Another key feature is congressional reporting. After disclosures, DOJ must provide Congress a structured accounting of what was released, what was withheld, and the legal basis used for redactions or non-disclosure decisions. That reporting structure allows lawmakers to compare agency output against statutory requirements and to identify whether further legislative changes are needed. Source: Congress.gov Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4405