The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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