The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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