The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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