The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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