The Senate 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 US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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