The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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