The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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