The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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