The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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