Congress Approves Legislation to Make Public Epstein Records
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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