Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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