WASHINGTON, D.C. July 11, 2025 – In a significant move towards transparency, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) successfully passed an amendment in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, requiring the Department of Justice to preserve all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s cases and report findings to Congress.
The amendment, which passed unanimously, mandates that the Department of Justice “retain, preserve, and compile” any records associated with Epstein, addressing the ongoing public demand for clarity in the high-profile case. This legislative action comes as part of the committee’s efforts to finalize the annual Justice Department funding bill, with a deadline looming at the end of September to avoid a government shutdown.
The push for transparency follows recent assertions by the Department of Justice that no evidence exists of a “client list” or blackmail involving Epstein’s associates, despite widespread conspiracy theories and public skepticism. Senator Van Hollen emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “The American people deserve to know the truth about the investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, including all evidence and any co-conspirators of his horrific crimes.”
This amendment’s passage contrasts with other contentious issues within the committee, such as the narrow 15-14 vote to block the Trump administration’s plan to relocate the FBI headquarters. The unanimous support for Van Hollen’s amendment underscores a rare bipartisan interest in ensuring that the full scope of Epstein’s case is documented and made available for congressional review.
As the Senate continues its work on the funding bill, this development marks a critical step in the ongoing effort to address one of the most scrutinized cases in recent history, reflecting a broader commitment to transparency and accountability in government operations.