The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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