The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued 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 avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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