The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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