The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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