The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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