The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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