The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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