The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval 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 public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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