The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his endorsement. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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