Senate Passes Legislation to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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