The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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