The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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