The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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