The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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