The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, 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 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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