The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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