The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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