The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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