Congress Passes Legislation to Make Public Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
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 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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