The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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