The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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