The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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