The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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