The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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