The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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