The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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