The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president is under fire for labeling a journalist as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement onboard Air Force One.
- Judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in the state of Texas that gave Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of US education agency’s powers reassigned to other branches as part of White House efforts.
- Raids expand to the state's capital, with local officials noting ongoing activities.
