Congress Passes Measure to Release Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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