The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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