Senate Passes Legislation to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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