The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
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 overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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