The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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