Senate Greenlights Legislation to Disclose Epstein Documents
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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