The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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