The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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