The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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