Congress Passes Measure to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of official records concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback 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, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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