The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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