The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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