Congress Approves Measure to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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