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, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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