The US House has approved with 427 votes in favor and one against the law that obliges the Department of Justice to make public all files on the Epstein case within 30 days. Speaker Mike Johnson calls for more protections for victims and witnesses as the Senate considers a quick vote.
Why is the vote considered historic?
The measure passed with a rare bipartisan consensus: 427 yes against only one no, that of the Republican Clay Higgins, who justified his vote against by citing the absence of adequate guarantees for the people involved in the documents. Johnson hoped for amendments in the Senate, but the Republican majority leader, John Thune, hinted at a quick and unamended green light, given the overwhelming approval of the House.
What is Donald Trump’s position?
Donald Trump has said he is ready to sign the law, after a recent about-face. While calling the case a “hoax”, he continues to show irritation towards journalists’ questions, addressing reporters from Bloomberg and ABC in an offensive manner. The issue remains sensitive for the former president, who has ordered investigations into Epstein’s relationships with Democratic figures, including Clinton and Summers.
Who is the first American “excellent victim” of the Epstein scandal?
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced his retirement from public office after the release of new compromising emails. He admitted “deep shame” and “full responsibility” for having continued contact with Epstein until the day before the financier’s arrest. Summers, however, will maintain his academic commitments at Harvard, a choice that has generated internal discontent.
What relationships tied Summers to Epstein?
Relationships between the two had already emerged: donations to Harvard, an office for Epstein at the university, flights on the “Lolita Express” and requests for support for the foundation led by Summers’ wife. The new emails show that the former minister even asked him for advice on how to start a sexual relationship with one of his “protégée”.
What does the law say about Epstein records?
The measure requires the Department of Justice to publish the files, with exceptions to protect the privacy of victims and not to compromise ongoing investigations.
Political and public pressure around the Epstein case reaches new levels, as the law moves towards final approval and the political front is divided between demands for transparency and fears for the protection of those involved.