Senate Approves Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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