Congress Passes Bill to Disclose Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day 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 voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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