The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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