Senate Passes Measure to Disclose Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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