The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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