Congress Approves Legislation to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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