The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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