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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 9694· 119th Congress

Force Release of Sealed Epstein Case Files

Epstein Files Transparency Act II

Sponsor
Thomas Massie (R-KY)
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
Last Action
Jul 15, 2026
Passage
15%
Introduced
Jul 15, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Requires courts to unseal documents from Jeffrey Epstein-related legal cases currently under seal.
  • Applies transparency rules to federal and state proceedings involving the deceased financier.
  • Detailed policy mechanisms not yet available — bill just introduced to House.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Victims and public gain potential access to court records about alleged crimes and accused parties.
  • Federal judges lose discretion to keep sensitive filings confidential in these specific cases.
  • News outlets and researchers could obtain names, allegations, and settlement details previously hidden.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced July 2026, referred to House Judiciary Committee — standard first step with no hearing scheduled yet.
  • Committee must vote to advance it; passage in full House would be required next.
  • Contact your House member if transparency in sealed cases matters to you.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Jul 15, 2026Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Jul 15, 2026Introduced in House
  • Jul 15, 2026Introduced in House