The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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