🔗 Share this article Congress Approves Bill to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of official records associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House. Expedited Passage in Congress Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority. “The American people have waited 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. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.” Future Action The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation. Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him. Support and Opposition Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation. Additional News Updates Trump receives backlash for labeling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a confrontation aboard Air Force One. Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans more districts. Many of US education agency’s authorities transferred to other federal departments as part of White House efforts. Mass federal immigration sweeps extend to the state's capital, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.