The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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