The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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