Washington: The U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved a House-passed bill that mandates the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release files related to late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The bill now awaits the signature of U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Senate's approval came swiftly by unanimous consent, occurring just hours after the House passed the bill with a nearly unanimous vote of 427-1. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the importance of immediate action, stating, "My unanimous consent request guarantees that the Senate will immediately pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act without any further action."

The legislation requires the DOJ to disclose all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials related to Epstein's investigation and prosecution. However, it allows the withholding of personal information of victims and materials potentially jeopardizing active federal investigations.

The bill's Congressional approval follows President Trump's unexpected reversal on the issue, urging Republican House members to vote in favor of the release. Media reports suggest that Trump's shift was influenced by a significant number of Republican representatives already supporting the bill.

Epstein, who had ties with many prominent American figures, died in prison in August 2019, officially ruled as a suicide. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to release Epstein-related documents if elected. However, a DOJ and FBI memorandum issued on July 7 stated no "incriminating client list" exists and no further documents would be released.

The bill, introduced in mid-July, faced delays from Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. A discharge petition led by Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and Republican Representative Thomas Massie eventually forced a vote after securing 218 signatures last Wednesday.

On the same day, the House Oversight Committee's Democrats released Epstein-related documents implicating Trump. In response, committee Republicans released a larger set of files, accusing Democrats of selective disclosure. Subsequently, President Trump directed the DOJ to investigate high-profile Democrats connected to Epstein, including former President Bill Clinton, a move viewed by critics as a counter to the recently released documents involving Trump.