The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, 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 Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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