The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal 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.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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