The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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