The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented 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 Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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