Congress Greenlights Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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