The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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