The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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