The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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