The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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