The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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