The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. 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 implicated in the investigation.
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