The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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