U.S. Senate passes bill to release Epstein files, heads to Trump’s desk
November 18, 2025/
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday agreed to pass a bill by unanimous consent requiring the U.S. attorney general to release all documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer initiated passage of the U.S. House of Representatives bill to release the files. The U.S. House passed the measure earlier Tuesday afternoon.
“People have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough. Let transparency reign,” Schumer said on the Senate floor Tuesday.
A unanimous consent vote requires agreement from all 100 senators. No senator objected to Schumer’s call requesting the release of documents associated with Epstein.
The bill will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law. Once signed, the Department of Justice will have 30 days to release all unclassified records related to Epstein.
Latest News Stories
Report: 25 state governments don’t have enough money to pay their bills
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Half of U.S. states don’t have enough money to cover their bills, according to a new report published by the nonprofit Chicago-based Truth in Accounting....
Officials react to DOJ voter roll lawsuit
By Christina LengyelThe Center Square People are speaking up about a lawsuit filed against the commonwealth Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice for failure to comply with a request...
Defense says more time needed for Tyler Robinson case
By Dave MasonThe Center Square The defense won’t waive its right to a preliminary hearing but needs more time before a date is set, the court-appointed attorney for Tyler James...
Tribal members want 15 minutes for oral arguments in tariff case
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Blackfeet Nation members asked the Supreme Court on Monday to set aside 15 minutes during oral arguments in the case challenging President Donald Trump's tariffs....
Welfare reform pilot to reduce government dependency is ‘step forward’, scholar says
By Tate MillerThe Center Square (The Center Square ) – A Cato scholar called the Department of Health and Human Service’s redesigned welfare pilot that intends to reduce government dependency...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker monitoring federal deployments; IDOT discusses Chicago to Rockford plans
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker monitoring federal deployments Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is closely monitoring federal deployments in the Chicago suburb of Broadview. Protesters...
WATCH: Homeland Security arrests ICE protesters with guns; Bailey seeks Pritzker rematch
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop unpacks some of...
Lincoln-Way Board Weighs Community Solar Program Promising $155,000 in Annual Savings
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 board is considering a 20-year agreement to participate in a state-sponsored community solar program that could save the district an estimated $155,000 annually on electricity...
Will County Reverses Zoning on Peotone Farmland to Facilitate 10-Acre Sale
Article Summary: The Will County Board unanimously approved a request to rezone a 10.08-acre portion of a property in Will Township back to agricultural use, reversing a 2023 zoning change....
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for September 10, 2025
Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025 The Joliet Junior College (JJC) Board of Trustees approved a landmark agreement with the City of Joliet to explore a...
Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves $172.7 Million Budget with Planned Deficit for Bus Purchases
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which includes a planned operating deficit of $814,000 to accommodate the purchase of...
Lawmakers push for transit reform, funding despite delayed fiscal cliff
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers say they hope to pass transit legislation during the fall veto session next month, even...
Miller files ‘parental rights’ constitutional amendment, blasts Illinois’ policies
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller says parental rights are being diminished and it’s time they speak up....
Will County to Pay Enbridge $82,000 to Relocate Pipeline Equipment for Exchange Street Improvements
Article Summary: Will County will reimburse Enbridge Energy for costs associated with relocating its pipeline facilities to make way for roadway improvements on Exchange Street in the Monee and Crete...
