The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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- Large-scale operations extend to Raleigh, with representatives reporting ongoing activities.
