Congress Greenlights Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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