Congress Greenlights Measure to Release Epstein Records

The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.

Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers

The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.

“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”

Presidential Signature

This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.

Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.

Reaction

Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.

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