The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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