Congress Approves Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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