The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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