Congress Approves Measure to Disclose Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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