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119-hr-7814119th Congress

EPSTEIN Act

Sponsored By: Representative Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create an independent commission to review Department of Justice files related to Jeffrey Epstein. It would give that body powers to investigate those materials, subpoena records, refer potential crimes for prosecution, and push for public reporting while protecting victims.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Congressional commission subpoena and access powers

If enacted, the Commission would be able to get records directly from federal agencies and, when the Chair or Vice‑Chair requests it, require agency heads to provide unclassified records in a searchable, downloadable format. The Commission would be able to issue subpoenas if both co‑chairs sign or five members vote yes, and it could ask U.S. district courts to enforce subpoenas or refer noncompliance to U.S. attorneys. The Commission would also be able to hire expert contractors, hold public hearings, and refer credible evidence of crimes to federal and state prosecutors, who must report back to Congress on prosecutions or other dispositions.

Create independent Epstein oversight commission

If enacted, the bill would create an eight-member Epstein Transparency and Accountability Commission in the legislative branch. Leaders of both parties would each appoint two members and initial appointments must happen within 60 days after enactment. The Commission would pick a Chair and Vice‑Chair at its first meeting, and those two officers must be from different political parties. Members of Congress and Justice Department officers would be barred from serving or consulting for the Commission.

Investigations, reports, and victim protections

If enacted, the Commission would conduct an independent investigation of alleged criminal conduct by Jeffrey Epstein and associates and review the DOJ "Epstein files." The Commission would send quarterly reports to Congress on progress, findings, and recommendations. It would also deliver a final, mostly unclassified report within 18 months of starting and post the unclassified portion online. The Commission could redact or withhold victims' identifying information, medical files, child sexual abuse material, or graphic injury images to protect victims.

Authorized funding for the Commission

If enacted, the bill would authorize "such sums as may be necessary" for the Commission to carry out its duties. Actual funding would depend on later congressional appropriations. The authorization does not include a dollar amount or time limit.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]

MO • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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