The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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