The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. The president signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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