Representative Gary Palmer Votes for Release of Epstein Files, Citing Justice for Victims

In a decisive move toward government transparency and accountability, Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL) voted in favor of releasing the long-awaited Epstein Files, a collection of documents related to the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The vote, held on November 18, 2025, passed overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives by a margin of 427-1.

Background on the Epstein Files Transparency Act

The Epstein Files Transparency Act mandates the Department of Justice to release all unclassified records pertaining to Epstein's criminal activities, associates, and the federal government's handling of the case. The legislation aims to shed light on the scope of Epstein's network and provide long-denied answers to victims and the public.

Palmer's Statement

Following the vote, Rep. Palmer issued a public statement emphasizing the importance of justice and transparency:

"The release of these documents, along with the Oversight Committee's thorough investigation, bring us closer to providing the victims of Jeffery Epstein with the justice they deserve. I hope that these documents will provide the American people with answers and result in those that committed wrongdoing being held accountable."

Palmer's remarks reflect a broader sentiment among lawmakers who believe that the release of these files is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring that those involved in Epstein's crimes face consequences.

Bipartisan Support and Political Context

All seven members of Alabama's House delegation voted in favor of the release, joining a bipartisan coalition that included both Republicans and Democrats. The lone dissenting vote came from Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA). The vote followed a public call from President Donald Trump urging Republicans to support the measure.

The Senate passed the bill later that day via unanimous consent, sending it to the President's desk for signature.

President Trump has signed the bill.

Trump said on his Truth Social Account:

"Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged by the Trump Justice Department in 2019 (Not the Democrats!), was a lifelong Democrat, donated Thousands of Dollars to Democrat Politicians, and was deeply associated with many well-known Democrat figures, such as Bill Clinton (who traveled on his plane 26 times), Larry Summers (who just resigned from many Boards, including Harvard), Sleazebag Political Activist Reid Hoffman, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (who asked Epstein to donate to his Campaign AFTER Epstein was charged), Democrat Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, and many more. Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES! As everyone knows, I asked Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, to pass this Bill in the House and Senate, respectively. Because of this request, the votes were almost unanimous in favor of passage. At my direction, the Department of Justice has already turned over close to fifty thousand pages of documents to Congress. Do not forget - The Biden Administration did not turn over a SINGLE file or page related to Democrat Epstein, nor did they ever even speak about him. Democrats have used the "Epstein" issue, which affects them far more than the Republican Party, in order to try and distract from our AMAZING Victories, including THE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL TAX CUT BILL, Strong Borders, No Men in Women's Sports or Transgender for Everyone, ending DEI, stopping Biden's Record Setting Inflation, lowering Prices, Biggest Tax and Regulation Cuts in History, ending EIGHT Wars, rebuilding our Military, knocking out Iran's Nuclear capability, getting Trillions of Dollars INVESTED in the U.S.A., creating the "HOTTEST" Country anywhere in the World, and even delivering a HUGE DEFEAT to the Democrats on the recent Shutdown Disaster. For years our Great Nation has had to endure RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, UKRAINE, UKRAINE, IMPEACHMENT HOAX #1, IMPEACHMENT HOAX #2, and many other Democrat created Witch Hunts and Scams, all of which have been so terrible and divisive for our Country, and have been done to confuse, deflect, and distract from the GREAT JOB that Republicans, and the Trump Administration, are doing. This latest Hoax will backfire on the Democrats just as all of the rest have! Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

What Comes Next

With the bill's passage, the Department of Justice is now tasked with compiling and releasing the documents. While some materials may remain classified for national security reasons, the bulk of the files are expected to be made public in the coming weeks.

This release could have far-reaching implications, potentially exposing previously unknown details about Epstein's connections to high-profile individuals and institutions. Lawmakers and advocacy groups hope it will also empower victims and lead to further legal action against those who enabled or participated in Epstein's crimes.