The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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