The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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