The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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