The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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