The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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