The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of investigative files concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded 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 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case 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.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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