The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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