The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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