The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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