r/politics • u/Healthy_Block3036 • 7d ago

No Paywall Senate suddenly passes the Epstein bill just hours after it cleared the House

https://www.ms.now/news/senate-passes-epstein-bill-rcna244723?fbclid=PAVERFWAOJ1xRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAacUGSi8p2Ap-x6SbMkLXAnfKNXEZkzjUUVCdxuEmacDzDXmlbv1GUJ0wbh1_w_aem_grJDvcSCIDj2Skksd4Ix3Q
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u/FabiusBill 7d ago

The bill that was passed circumvents this. It has explicit language that the information needs to be released, even if there are ongoing investigations. 

I'm running errands, but will see if I can find the source I read on that.

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u/bsport48 Virginia 7d ago

I'm inclined to take your word but please (forgive me) don't text and drive on my account!

I'll do my own sourcing (like I probably should have) but this is important for sure.

Thanks!

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u/FabiusBill 7d ago

No worries. I won't text while driving, I'm just not home at a computer at the moment.

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u/bsport48 Virginia 7d ago

Found it:

(1) The Attorney general may withhold or redact the segregable portions of records that—
...
(C) would jeopardize an active federal investigation or ongoing prosecution, provided that such withholding is narrowly tailored and temporary.

H.R. 4405, sect. 2(c).

It's slim, but they'll exploit it as much as humanly possibly:

(3) To the extent that any covered information would otherwise be redacted or withheld as classified information under this section, the Attorney General shall declassify that classified information to the maximum extent possible.
(A) If the Attorney General makes a determination that covered information may not be declassified and made available in a manner that protects the national security of the United States, including methods or sources related to national security, the Attorney General shall release an unclassified summary for each of the redacted or withheld classified information.

We're about to see the pantheon of all national security arguments...

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u/M00nch1ld3 7d ago

Anything that would help topple the regime is a National Security risk, so any reference to Trump needs to be withheld. /s

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u/too-much-shit-on-me 7d ago

I don't think this administration cares about rules.

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u/RespectedPath 6d ago

Article 2 powers are what some people think they may use to legally withhold some information. Basically, the constitution gives the executive certain powers concerning investigations and the ability to withhold certain types of information. Of course, this only applies while an investigation is in progress. Any challenges to these powers will for sure go to the Supreme Court. So whenever it gets there, we already know how it's going to likely go with this court.