The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, 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 long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, 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 a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with representatives noting ongoing activities.
