The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged 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 avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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