The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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