The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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