The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims 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. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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