The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation 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 is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern 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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