The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
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 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose specific data of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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