The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, 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 massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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