The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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