The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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