The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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