The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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