Senate Approves Legislation to Release Epstein Files
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 late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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