The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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