The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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