Senate Greenlights Bill to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
- The president faces criticism for labeling a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's authorities reassigned to different agencies as part of administration efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with authorities noting ongoing activities.
