Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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