The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case 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.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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