Congress Passes Measure to Disclose Epstein Documents
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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