Congress Approves Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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