The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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