The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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