The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case 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 formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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