The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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