Senate Approves Bill to Make Public Jeffrey Epstein Files
The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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