The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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