Senate Approves Bill to Release Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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