The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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