The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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