The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to the president 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 investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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