The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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