The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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