The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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