The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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