The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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