Senate Greenlights Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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