The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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