The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted 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 voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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