The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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