Congress Passes Legislation to Disclose Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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