The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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