The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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