The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people 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 urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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