The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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