The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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