The Senate on this 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 almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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