The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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