The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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