The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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