The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course 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.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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