The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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