The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated 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 bill next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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