The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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