The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of investigative files related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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