The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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