The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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