The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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