Senate Passes Measure to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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