The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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