The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on legislation to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, the culmination of a monthslong effort that has overcome opposition from US President Donald Trump and Republican leadership.

When a small bipartisan group of House politicians introduced a petition in July to manoeuvre around House Speaker Mike Johnson's control of which bills see the House floor, it appeared a longshot effort, especially as Trump urged his supporters to dismiss the matter as a "hoax". But both Trump and Johnson failed in their efforts to prevent the vote.

Now the president has bowed to the growing momentum behind the bill and even said Republicans should vote for it. His blessing all but ensures

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