Senate Passes Legislation to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of official records related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP 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 comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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