Senate Passes Bill to Release Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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