The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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