Congress Approves Bill to Release Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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