The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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