The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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