The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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