The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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