Congress Approves Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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