Congress Greenlights Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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