The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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