The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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