The U.S. House and Senate vote to approve a bill that will force the full release of any files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, and lawmakers in Florida consider a bill to enhance penalties related to fixing sports games for betting markets.
Both the House and Senate voted overwhelmingly Tuesday afternoon in favor of a bill that would require the Justice Department to publish “all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials” related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The measure passed 427-1 in the House. Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., identified himself on social media as the lone vote against the bill. The Senate then agreed to pass the bill with unanimous consent once it is sent to the upper chamber.
It will then head to President Donald Trump’s desk. Trump said Monday he would sign the measure if passed by Congress — a stark reversal from his previous opposition to the effort. Even if Trump refused to sign it, the legislation has the support needed to override the veto.
Shortly after the Senate vote, Trump posted on Truth Social: “I don’t care when the Senate passes the House Bill, whether tonight, or at some other time in the near future, I just don’t want Republicans to take their eyes of all of the Victories that we’ve had.” Trump touted his work on several issues, including passing the massive tax and spending bill, cracking down on illegal immigration and securing foreign investments in the U.S.
Tuesday’s House vote came after a monthslong effort by a small bipartisan group of lawmakers to use a discharge petition — now signed by 218 lawmakers — to bring the measure to the floor despite opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
The signature of Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, who won a special election in September but was only sworn in last week, was the final one needed to bring the discharge petition over the finish line. Four Republicans and all Democrats in the House signed onto the petition.
“The legislation in front of us at its core is about something simple,” Grijalva said during debate leading up to the vote. “The survivors deserve justice, and the American people deserve truth.”
Johnson denounced the measure as “a political exercise for Democrats,” but ultimately voted to approve it. The House speaker had moved to hold the vote this week rather than wait until next week for the discharge position to officially take effect.
Johnson also contended that the release of materials risked violating the privacy of those who were abused, linking those who were unaware of Epstein’s behavior to his crimes and jeopardizing future investigations. He called on GOP senators during his remarks shortly before the House vote to address “serious deficiencies” in the bill “if and when this legislation is advanced.”
Florida lawmakers to consider increasing penalties for rigging sports games
Florida lawmakers are considering whether to stiffen the penalties against illegal gambling in the state.
The Florida House on Tuesday took its first look at that proposal.
Soon, lawmakers could make it a third-degree felony to rig a bet in Florida, a move that some lawmakers say is needed.
The proposed change is part of a sweeping bill, and it would apply to any game, match or sport.
“Of the utmost importance, we have to protect our citizens from addiction, from trafficking. From anything that is illegal and harmful to them,” state Rep. Dana Trabulsy said.
The proposal comes after a series of high-profile betting blunders. In October, the FBI arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier while in Orlando. Authorities allege that he was giving bettors an upper hand with insider news.
“The nonpublic information included when specific players would be sitting out future games, or when they would pull themselves out early for purported injuries or illnesses,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said about the case.
Two members of the Cleveland Guardians are accused of rigging throws to enrich bettors and themselves.
“When you have professional athletes and agents, that type of behavior erodes trust in the entire competitive ecosystem and game of chance. It’s no longer a game of chance anymore. It’s been rigged against you,” State Rep. Anna Eskamani said.
It’s the latest effort in Florida to crack down on illegal gambling. The bill spans across issues like sports, slots, gambling houses and more.
The bill cleared its first hurdle in the Florida House. The plan will face two more committee appearances. If it clears those, it will be read for a full vote in the state House.