The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. Trump stated 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 investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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