Senate Passes Measure to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
- The president is under fire for calling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge blocks ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans extra districts.
- Many of Department of Education's authorities transferred to other branches as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps expand to Raleigh, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.
