The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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