Congress Greenlights Legislation to Release Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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