The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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