The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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