The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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