The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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