The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted 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. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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