The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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