Congress Passes Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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