The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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