The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort 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 requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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