The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting 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 long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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