Senate Approves Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased 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. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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