Senate Approves Legislation to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case 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, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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