The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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