Senate Approves Bill to Release Epstein Files
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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