The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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