The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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