The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval 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 US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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