The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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