The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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