The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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