Senate Greenlights Legislation to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Documents
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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