Congress Passes Legislation to Disclose Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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