The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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