Senate Greenlights Legislation to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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