The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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