Congress Passes Legislation to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files

The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.

Swift Passage in Both Chambers

Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.

“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”

Next Steps

The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.

Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.

Reaction

Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.

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