The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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