The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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