The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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