The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of investigative files concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would make public specific data of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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