Senate Passes Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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