The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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