Congress Approves Legislation to Make Public Epstein Documents

The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of official records concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.

Expedited Approval in Both Chambers

The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.

“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 asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”

Presidential Signature

This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.

Response

Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.

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