The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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