The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval 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 massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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