Congress Approves Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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