The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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