The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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