The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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