The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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