As many of Jeffrey Epstein’s victims looked on from the public gallery, Democrats and Republicans passed the bill with just one member voting against – marking an extraordinary turnaround in Republican sentiment towards the measure.

The legislation would force the justice department to release all documents relating to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, with caveats to protect ongoing potential prosecutions and the identity of underage victims.

The bill still needs to pass the Senate where, were it changed, it would have to return to the House of Representatives for another vote – all of which means it could be some time before any of these files see the light of day.