The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up 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. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill 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 representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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