The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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