The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed 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 individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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