The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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