Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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