The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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