The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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