The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump 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 dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, 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.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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