Congress Passes Measure to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback 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 formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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