The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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