The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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