The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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