The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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