Congress Approves Legislation to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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