The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months 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 approve it if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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