Senate Greenlights Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call 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. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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