WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 4405 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-38

Epstein Files Transparency Act

Became lawCrime and Law Enforcement
IntroducedJul 15, 2025
Passed HouseNov 18, 2025
Passed SenateNov 19, 2025
To PresidentNov 19, 2025
Became lawNov 19, 2025

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 4405 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 2 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Release of documents relating to jeffrey epstein
  • Sec. 3 Report to Congress
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Epstein Files Transparency Act

    This act requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish (in a searchable and downloadable format) all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in DOJ's possession that relate to the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

    This includes (1) materials that relate to Ghislaine Maxwell, (2) flight logs and travel records, and (3) individuals named or referenced (including government officials) in connection with the investigation and prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein.

    DOJ is permitted to withhold certain information such as the personal information of victims and materials that would jeopardize an active federal investigation.

    Additionally, not later than 15 days after the required publication, DOJ must report to Congress (1) all categories of information released and withheld, (2) a summary of any redactions made, and (3) a list of all government officials and politically exposed individuals named or referenced in the published materials.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Nov 19, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

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    1. 2025-11-19Became Public Law No: 119-38.Library of Congress
    2. 2025-11-19Became Public Law No: 119-38.Library of Congress
    3. 2025-11-19Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2025-11-19Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2025-11-19Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2025-11-19Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2025-11-19Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    8. 2025-11-19Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed, under the order of 11/18/2025, without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8211)Senate
    9. 2025-11-19Passed/agreed to in Senate: Received in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed, under the order of 11/18/2025, without amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    10. 2025-11-18Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    11. 2025-11-18On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 427 - 1 (Roll no. 289). (text: CR H4725) Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    12. 2025-11-18Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 427 - 1 (Roll no. 289). (text: CR H4725) Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    13. 2025-11-18DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4405.House floor actions
    14. 2025-11-18Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4725-4733)House floor actions
    15. 2025-11-18Mr. Jordan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    16. 2025-07-15Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
    17. 2025-07-15Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    18. 2025-07-15Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Since it became law on Nov 19, 2025, the Federal Register, the government's daily record of rules and notices, has published 1 document that name it: 1 notice. It names it in the title, the summary or the legal authority.

    Named in the title, summary or legal authority

    1. NoticeAug 27, 2026Justice Department
      Report Under Public Law 119-38
      The Department of Justice is publishing a report submitted to Congress concerning records released and withheld pursuant to Public Law 119-38.
      Names the law in its title

    Found by searching the Federal Register for Public Law 119-38 and the law's names, then reading each document: every one listed contains them, and the quote is its own words. An agency can carry out a law without naming it, so this list can miss some. Checked Oct 27, 2026. Every new law's rules

    Recorded votes

    Sourced

    Nov 18, 2025 · House roll call 289 · needed 2/3

    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass: Passed 427–1

    R 216 yes, 1 no, 2 present or not votingD 211 yes, 0 no, 3 present or not voting

    How each member voted · Official record

    Cosponsors

    • Yassamin Ansari D-AZ-3
    • Wesley Bell D-MO-1
    • Danny K. Davis D-IL-7
    • Christopher R. Deluzio D-PA-17
    • Maxine Dexter D-OR-3
    • Shomari Figures D-AL-2
    • Robert Garcia D-CA-42
    • Josh Harder D-CA-9
    • Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. D-GA-4
    • Stephen F. Lynch D-MA-8
    • Seth Magaziner D-RI-2
    • Thomas Massie R-KY-4
    • James P. McGovern D-MA-2
    • Kweisi Mfume D-MD-7
    • Seth Moulton D-MA-6
    • Eleanor Holmes Norton D-DC-At Large
    • Johnny Olszewski, Jr. D-MD-2
    • Ilhan Omar D-MN-5
    • Nancy Pelosi D-CA-11
    • Mary Gay Scanlon D-PA-5
    • Brad Sherman D-CA-32
    • Adam Smith D-WA-9
    • Darren Soto D-FL-9
    • Shri Thanedar D-MI-13