Update: Senate passed the House bill by unanimous consent, sending it the President for his signature.
On a veto-proof vote Tuesday (427-1), the House ordered the release of Justice Department files on late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The lone opponent: Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA). Even House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) voted in favor of “The Epstein Files Transparency Act” after holding the House hostage 50 days, delaying the swearing in of Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ). .
The bill now moves to the Senate, where the odds have been considered uncertain by the pundit class. But none of them predicted this vote, which reflects the will of most Americans.
President Donald Trump reversed his opposition Monday (he had dubbed it a “Democrat hoax”), stating he would sign the bill, which may have freed Republicans to vote yes. On the other hand, they might be responding to constituent pressure.
Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) led the effort to bring the measure to a vote.
However, according to ABC:
Even if the measure passes through the House and Senate and is ultimately signed into law by Trump, it’s unlikely the Justice Department would release the entire Epstein file, according to sources. Any materials related to ongoing investigations or White House claims of executive privilege will likely remain out of public view.
Trump has directed to DOJ to begin investigations of Democrats mentioned in the 20,000 pages released from the Epstein estate last week. Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly has appointed US Attorney Jay Clayton to lead an investigation per Trump’s request, whether formal or informal.
Known for gnawing at complex questions like a terrier with a bone. Digital evangelist, writer, teacher. Transplanted Southerner; teach newbies to ride motorcycles. @kegill (Twitter and Mastodon.social); wiredpen.com