Thune says Senate could move on Epstein files bill as soon as today

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters that the Senate could act as soon as Tuesday to approve the release of the Justice Department’s files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Thune said there’s currently an effort ongoing to determine whether any senator opposes moving forward with the bill. If no one objects, Thune said it was a “possibility” that the bill could be passed Tuesday — the same day the House overwhelmingly passed the bill. 

He also dismissed the idea that the Senate would amend the bill despite House Speaker Mike Johnson urging the Senate to do so.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Nov. 7, 2025.

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

“I think when a bill comes out of the House 427 to 1 and the president said he was going to sign it, I’m not sure that amending it is in the cards,” Thune said. 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.