Summary
Five members of the U.S. House of Representatives were absent for a vote on a bill that requires the Justice Department to release files on Jeffrey Epstein. The bill passed with a large majority and will now be sent to President Trump's desk for approval. The missing members cited reasons such as illness and family issues for their absence, and all expressed support for the legislation.
Key Facts
- The Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the Justice Department to release files on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
- The vote passed with 427 in favor and 1 against, with five members absent.
- Representatives who missed the vote included three Democrats and two Republicans.
- Don Beyer and Mikie Sherrill supported the bill but missed the vote due to illness and other commitments.
- Steve Womack missed the vote for a family medical issue but expressed support in the Congressional Record.
- The bill mandates the Attorney General to release materials within 30 days once enacted.
- President Trump's signature is the next step for the bill to become law.
