Congress Approves Measure to Release Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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