The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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