The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months 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
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 voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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