The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber 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 approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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