The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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