The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited 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. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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