The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, 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 survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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