The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected 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 said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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