The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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