The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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