The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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