The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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