The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional Headlines
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- A significant number of US education agency’s responsibilities transferred to other federal departments as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations move to Raleigh, with local officials reporting ongoing activities.
