The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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