Senate Greenlights Legislation to Release Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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