The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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