Congress Approves Bill to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted 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 voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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