The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation forcing the Justice Department to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. The House approved the bill 427-to-1, and the Senate unanimously passed it, sending it to President Donald Trump's desk.
Arizona lawmakers from both parties supported the legislation, emphasizing that the issue transcends partisan politics.
Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) had explained the core principle on X: "Releasing the Epstein files is not just about Democrats vs. Republicans. It is about the girls who were abused and trafficked and the people who failed them."
Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) addressed survivors at Capitol Hill, saying, "I know it takes a lot of courage for the victims of these crimes to speak out." He emphasized accountability regardless of political affiliation.
"We have a chance to say that in America, you will be held accountable. Doesn't matter if you're rich, doesn't matter if you're Republican or Democrat. If you hurt people, you will answer for it."
Representative Eli Crane also voted in favor, noting the bill "ensures public access to DOJ records on Jeffrey Epstein and his criminal network."
Additional Support
Additionally, Representative Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) highlighted that survivors "are tired of the games. They just want to know what happened and want accountability, and they want people to be held to account."
Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) then raised serious concerns about congressional ethics, revealing that a House delegate allegedly communicated with Epstein during a committee hearing and took his advice on questioning.
"When you're sitting in a committee and you're having communications with a convicted sex offender and you're taking their advice on how to ask questions, maybe you got a problem," Biggs said.
He argued that such conduct brings disrepute to the House and questioned whether anyone who took directives from Epstein should serve on the House Intelligence Committee.
After a lengthy fight for transparency, Arizona lawmakers demonstrated that some issues rise above political divisions.
The bill now awaits President Trump's signature.
