The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would reveal identifying details of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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