The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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