The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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