The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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