The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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