The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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