The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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