Congress Approves Legislation to Make Public Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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