The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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