The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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