Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: Congress Passes Measure to Release Epstein Files
Date: November 18, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts

Overview

This special Fox News Hourly Update centers on Congress passing a bipartisan measure requiring the full release of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files. Passed by the Senate and House, the bill is now headed to the president's desk. The episode covers the bill’s significance, reactions from lawmakers, and related news, including House and Senate dynamics, broader transparency issues, and other major headlines on the day.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Congress Passes Epstein Files Release Bill

(00:02–00:35)

• The Senate approved a measure, after the House, mandating the “full release of the Epstein file.”
• Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that the issue transcends partisan divides, focusing on public transparency.
  • Quote:

    “This isn’t about Democrats versus Republicans or about Congress versus the president. This is about giving the American people the transparency they’ve been crying for.”
    – Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (00:21)

• The House vote was nearly unanimous with only one “no” vote.

2. Lone House Holdout Explains Vote

(00:33–00:56)

• Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) cast the only “no” vote; his statement on X (formerly Twitter) was read on air:
  • Quote:

    “If enacted in its current form, this type of broad reveal of criminal investigative files released to a rabid media will absolutely result in innocent people being hurt. Not by my vote.”
    – Rep. Clay Higgins (00:41)

• His concern: the release could inadvertently harm innocent individuals.

3. Epstein Accusers and Lawmakers Respond

(00:56–01:15)

• Survivors and lawmakers, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), appeared on Capitol Hill in support.
  • Quote:

    “These women have fought the most horrific fight that no woman should have to fight.”
    – Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (00:59)

• The moment underscored the bill’s emotional impact for survivors of Epstein’s crimes.

4. Other Key National Headlines

U.S. – Saudi Relations & Jamal Khashoggi Case

(01:15–01:42)

• President Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding a major arms deal.
• The Crown Prince addressed questions about the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi:
  • Quote:

    “We did all the right steps of investigation, etc. in Saudi Arabia and we’ve improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that. And it’s painful and it’s a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn’t happen again.”
    – Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (01:28)

• President Trump dismissed U.S. intelligence findings implicating the crown prince.

Market Update

(01:42–01:59)

• Wall Street experienced declines:
  • Dow down 498 points
  • Nasdaq off 275
• The selloff followed similar trends in Europe and Asia.

5. Sean "Diddy" Combs Facing New Allegations

(03:01–03:26)

• The LA County Sheriff’s Department is investigating Combs after a male music producer alleged sexual battery.
• Combs denies the allegations and is already serving a four-year sentence for unrelated convictions.

6. Danny Masterson Appeals Rape Convictions

(03:26–04:07)

• Actor Danny Masterson’s new lawyers filed a petition claiming ineffective defense and bias against the Church of Scientology.
• Masterson, part of the show “That ’70s Show,” faces a 30-year-to-life sentence.

7. Texas Congressional Map Blocked

(04:07–04:20)

• A federal court blocked Texas’s new GOP-drawn map, siding with opponents who argued the plan discriminated against Black and Hispanic voters.

8. Meta Platforms Win Antitrust Case

(04:20–04:53)

• Meta (parent of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) prevailed in a Federal Trade Commission antitrust lawsuit.
• The court ruled Meta does not currently have a monopoly in social media.
• This contrasts with separate “illegal monopoly” rulings against Google.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sen. Chuck Schumer on bipartisan transparency:

  “This isn’t about Democrats versus Republicans or about Congress versus the president. This is about giving the American people the transparency they’ve been crying for.” (00:21)

• Rep. Clay Higgins defending his “no” vote:

  “If enacted in its current form, this type of broad reveal... will absolutely result in innocent people being hurt. Not by my vote.” (00:41)

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene honoring survivors:

  “These women have fought the most horrific fight that no woman should have to fight.” (00:59)

• Saudi Crown Prince on Jamal Khashoggi:

  “We did all the right steps of investigation, etc. in Saudi Arabia... We are doing our best that this doesn’t happen again.” (01:28)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files Bill Passes Senate & House: 00:02–00:35
• Rep. Clay Higgins’ Statement: 00:35–00:56
• Epstein Accusers & MTG Response: 00:56–01:15
• Trump–Saudi Meeting & Khashoggi: 01:15–01:42
• Market Update: 01:42–01:59
• Sean Combs Allegation: 03:01–03:26
• Danny Masterson Appeal: 03:26–04:07
• Texas Redistricting Case: 04:07–04:20
• Meta Antitrust Case Win: 04:20–04:53

Style & Tone

The episode is brisk, factual, and leans on direct quotations from anchor readings and actual statements. Coverage is concise and news-driven, with an emphasis on official reactions and the voices of those directly involved.