Senate Approves Bill to Make Public Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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