The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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