Senate Passes Bill to Disclose Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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