The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US 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 delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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