The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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