Congress Passes Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Documents

The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.

Unanimous Approval in Congress

The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”

Next Steps

This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.

Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.

Support and Opposition

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 said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.

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