The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender 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. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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