The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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