The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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