Congress Greenlights Bill to Release Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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