The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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