The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of investigative files concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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