The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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