Congress Approves Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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