The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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