The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (427 votes in favor and 1 against) on Tuesday to adopt a bipartisan bill that would force the Justice Department to release the full files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, writes AP.

The decisive vote marks a dramatic turnaround for a measure that for months appeared to be blocked by opposition from President Donald Trump and the Republican leadership. The measure now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain but political pressure is mounting.

Bipartisan insurgency bypassing Republican leadership

The push for transparency accelerated after a bipartisan group of congressmen filed a rare “release petition” in July, a procedure designed to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson’s control over the legislative agenda and force a vote on the floor.

At the time, the move seemed unlikely to succeed, especially after Trump urged his supporters to dismiss the initiative to release the files as a"hoax."

Despite intense pressure from the White House and Republican leadership, no GOP congressman withdrew their support.

The petition finally reached the required threshold, forcing Johnson to allow the vote. The overwhelming approval on Tuesday signaled deep bipartisan frustration with years of secrecy over the government's possession of Epstein files.

Trump changes position amid growing political pressure

Faced with a political tide he could no longer stem, Trump suddenly reversed his position and declared that he would sign the bill if it passed the Senate.

The change comes amid growing calls from survivors, activists and lawmakers demanding full transparency in the Epstein case, one of the most controversial criminal scandals in recent US history.

Epstein, an influential financier with connections among global political and economic elites, committed suicide in a federal prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking and sexual abuse of minors.

A historic vote reflects the public demand for truth

Tuesday's vote represents one of the strongest statements by Congress that the public has the right to access government documents relating to Epstein and his network of associates.

The massive bipartisan support underscores the growing pressure on the Justice Department and the Trump administration to release information that has been hidden for years.