The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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