The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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