The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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