The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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