The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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