The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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