The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, 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 House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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