The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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