The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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