Senate Greenlights Legislation to Disclose Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with 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. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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