The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of investigative files related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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