The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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