The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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