Senate Approves Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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