The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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