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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
SENATES. 5005· 119th Congress

Release sealed records from Epstein case

Epstein Files Transparency Act II

Sponsor
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
Last Action
Jul 15, 2026
Passage
12%
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Bill directs release of court documents and records related to Jeffrey Epstein case currently under seal.
  • Likely creates process or timeline for declassifying materials held by federal courts and agencies.
  • Specific mechanisms unknown — detailed bill text not yet published by Congress.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Affects Epstein victims seeking answers about alleged co-conspirators and scope of misconduct.
  • Impacts defendants and witnesses with privacy interests in sealed court filings.
  • Tests balance between transparency and protection of individuals named in documents.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced in Senate July 2026, referred to Judiciary Committee. No votes scheduled yet.
  • Committee must review, debate, and vote before any floor action — typical process takes weeks to months.
  • Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your senator to ask where they stand on release.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 15, 2026Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Jul 15, 2026Introduced in Senate