WASHINGTON (Valley News Live) – The House and Senate passed legislation Tuesday requiring the Department of Justice to publicly release government documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, the financier who died in federal custody in 2019.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed the House by a vote of 427-1 and the Senate agreed by unanimous consent that once the bill comes over from the House that it will be considered passed.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., said she voted for the files to be released to advance transparency efforts already underway.

“Jeffrey Epstein’s victims deserve justice, and the American people deserve answers,” Fedorchak said. “Back in September, I supported and the House passed a resolution that immediately directed the Oversight Committee to investigate, obtain, and publicly release key documents tied to Epstein’s crimes. Because of that action, the Committee has released more than 65,000 pages of records and issued multiple subpoenas of key individuals. I voted for H.R. 4405 to build on this work and the pursuit of long-awaited transparency, accountability, and justice for these victims. After multiple administrations and Congresses have kept this case in darkness, today is another big step forward into the light.”

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said through his office that he supports releasing the files.

“The Senator has said the files should be released, and that he would vote to do so. We should address the questions regarding the Epstein case in a responsible way that both protects victims and provides information to the American public in a straightforward and transparent way.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said he supports transparency while protecting victims.

“I’ve always said transparency is always preferable, as long as we can protect victims from additional exploitation. Two things can be true: perpetrators and sex abusers should be brought to justice, and Democrats didn’t lift a finger until they were no longer in power. This is not about justice, it’s about politics. Whether it’s through Congress’ ongoing release of files to the public or through passing this resolution, the Department of Justice must find the balance between transparency and protecting the privacy of victims and witnesses.”

North Dakota Democratic-NPL Chair Adam Goldwyn released the following statement.

“Julie Fedorchak has not magically found a backbone. For months, House Democrats and a handful of Republicans needed one more member of Congress to force this vote. How can she look herself in the mirror knowing that she alone could have moved this forward and she refused? She is a coward.”

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