The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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