The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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