Senate Greenlights Legislation to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of official records associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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