The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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