Senate Passes Measure to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued 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 individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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