The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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