What does Preamble of EPSTEIN Act do?

This bill aims to establish an independent statutory commission. The commission would operate within the legislative branch. Its responsibility is to provide oversight, transparency, and accountability regarding the Department of Justice's operations. The commission's focus includes the handling of the Epstein Files.

What does SHORT TITLE. of EPSTEIN Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Ensuring Prosecutorial Scrutiny, Transparency, and Equal Impartiality Nationwide Act, also known as the EPSTEIN Act.

What does ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. of EPSTEIN Act do?

A commission is established within the legislative branch. The commission is named the Epstein Transparency and Accountability Commission. The commission's purpose is to examine and investigate materials held by the Department of Justice. These materials include those in the possession, custody, or control of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Attorneys' Offices. The materials are those required to be preserved, disclosed, or maintained under Public Law 119-38.

What does COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION. of EPSTEIN Act do?

The Commission will consist of 8 members. Two members are appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, two by the Speaker of the House, two by the Senate Minority Leader, and two by the House Minority Leader, each in consultation with relevant committees. Initial appointments must occur within 60 days of the Act's enactment. Vacancies on the Commission are filled using the same appointment process. Appointees should be prominent U.S. citizens with experience in human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and coercion. Members of Congress and Department of Justice personnel are prohibited from serving on the Commission or providing consultation services. The Commission will select a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from its members at its initial meeting. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson cannot be from the same political party. The Commission can hire experts and consultants under 5 U.S.C. section 3109 and may refer credible evidence of crimes to them. Consultants may include experts on sex and labor trafficking, law enforcement, state legal officers, and former federal law enforcement.

What does FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION. of EPSTEIN Act do?

This section establishes the functions of a Commission related to investigations of Jeffrey Epstein and associated individuals. The Commission is tasked with conducting an independent investigation into criminal violations committed by Jeffrey Epstein and any accomplices. The Commission will review the 'Epstein files' and consult with legal and subject-matter experts to determine recommended next steps for any violations identified. The Commission is required to promote transparency in the Department of Justice's enforcement of Federal human trafficking laws. The Commission has the authority to refer matters to relevant entities, recommending prosecution under federal and state law. Entities receiving referrals are required to submit reports to Congress on any resulting prosecutions or resolutions. The Commission can request and receive information from Federal agencies, with the head of the agency furnishing information in a publicly available format. The Commission has the power to issue subpoenas and enforce compliance through the United States district court. The Commission may certify failures to comply with subpoenas to the United States attorney for grand jury action.

What does FINAL CLASSIFICATION AND PUBLIC RELEASE REPORT. of EPSTEIN Act do?

The Commission must submit a report to Congress within 18 months of its establishment. The report will detail the results of the investigation conducted under section 4(a). The report must be submitted in unclassified form to the greatest extent possible, with a classified annex only if necessary. The unclassified portion of the report must be posted on a public website maintained by the Commission and other appropriate Federal agencies. The report must include updates on pending human trafficking cases, efforts to estimate prevalence, an examination of policy effectiveness, demographic analysis of victims, and recommendations for addressing victim vulnerabilities. The Commission can withhold or redact records containing personally identifiable information of victims, child sexual abuse materials, or images of death, physical abuse, or injury.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of EPSTEIN Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations for the Commission. The sums authorized are those deemed necessary for the Commission to fulfill its duties under the Act.

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EPSTEIN Act

Last updated: 3/5/2026 · Introduced: 3/5/2026

Author: Wesley Bell (D-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

The EPSTEIN Act establishes an independent commission within the legislative branch to investigate criminal violations related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, reviewing relevant Department of Justice materials.
The commission, composed of eight experts appointed by congressional leaders, is authorized to subpoena information from federal agencies and refer potential criminal activity for prosecution.
Within 18 months of establishment, the commission must submit a public report to Congress detailing its findings, including updates on human trafficking cases and recommendations for addressing victim vulnerabilities.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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