The upper chamber of Congress on this 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 almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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