The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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