The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded 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 long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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