Congress Approves Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block 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 avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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