The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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