The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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