The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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