The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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