The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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