The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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