The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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