The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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