The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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