The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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