The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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