The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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