The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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