The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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