The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy 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 avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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