The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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