The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would make public personal information of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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