Congress Approves Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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