Congress Approves Bill to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Records

The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.

Swift Passage in Congress

Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.

Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”

Future Action

The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.

Response

Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.

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