🔗 Share this article Senate Approves Bill to Release Epstein Files The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender 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 an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House. Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote. Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.” Future Action This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation. Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him. Support and Opposition The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation. Other Stories The president receives backlash for referring to a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a clash onboard Air Force One. Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that gave GOP more districts. Many of US education agency’s powers reassigned to different agencies as part of White House efforts. Large-scale operations extend to the state's capital, with authorities reporting ongoing activities.