Congress Greenlights Bill to Release Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP 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 return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Headlines
- The president faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘discriminatory’ maps in Texas that gave Republicans extra districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers moved to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Mass federal immigration sweeps move to Raleigh, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
