Senate Approves Measure to Disclose Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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