The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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