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, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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