The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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