The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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