The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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