The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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