Senate Greenlights Legislation to Release Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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