Senate Greenlights Measure to Make Public Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional Stories
- Trump faces criticism for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that allocated Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
