Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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