Senate Greenlights Measure to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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