The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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