Senate Approves Measure to Make Public Epstein Documents
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender 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 White House relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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