Congress Approves Legislation to Release Epstein Records
The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of official records concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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