Senate Passes Legislation to Release Jeffrey Epstein Records
The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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