Bill · H.R. 7814· House(119-HR-7814)
EPSTEIN Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2026
- Last activity
- 3/5/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Wesley Bell
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill sets up an independent commission in the legislative branch called the Epstein Transparency and Accountability Commission. The commission has eight members appointed by leaders from both political parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its main job is to investigate Department of Justice operations and materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. The commission has the power to request information from federal agencies, issue subpoenas, and refer potential crimes for prosecution. It is required to issue quarterly reports to Congress and a final report within 18 months of its establishment.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+8
The bill mandates public reporting, unclassified findings, and independent oversight of DOJ materials and operations regarding the Epstein files.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+4
The bill explicitly protects victim privacy by allowing the withholding and redaction of personally identifiable and medical information.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill establishes a new federal legislative commission with subpoena and investigative powers over DOJ operations.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes the appropriation of public funds to establish and operate the Epstein Transparency and Accountability Commission.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Independent Investigation and Oversight (Section 4(a)): This provision directs the commission to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation into criminal violations by Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplices, which helps hold officials and wrongdoers accountable.
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Public Transparency and Reporting (Section 4(a)(5) and Section 5(a)): The commission must promote public transparency and post an unclassified final report on a public website, giving the public clear access to information regarding the investigation.
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Victim Privacy Protection (Section 5(b)): The commission is permitted to withhold or redact records that contain personally identifiable information or personal and medical files of victims, which safeguards the privacy of those affected.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Use of Public Funds (Section 6): The bill authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to run the commission, which requires taxpayer funding to support its operations and investigations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+8Improves Privacy Rights+4Increases Federal Power+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- 3/5/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House