The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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