The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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