Senate Passes Measure to Disclose Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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