The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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