The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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