The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his approval. He indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for months dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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