The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy 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 formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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