🔗 Share this article Senate Approves Measure to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of official records associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House. Swift Approval in Both Chambers The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority. “The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.” Next Steps The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure. Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him. Support and Opposition The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation. Other Stories Trump faces criticism for referring to a female Bloomberg reporter as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One. Judge disallows ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave GOP more districts. Many of US education agency’s authorities moved to other branches as part of White House efforts. Mass federal immigration sweeps move to the state's capital, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.