The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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