The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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