The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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