The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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