The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his signature. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the uproar 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 give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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