The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of people, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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