The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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