Senate Passes Measure to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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