Congress Passes Legislation to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of official records associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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