The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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