Congress Greenlights Measure to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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