The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed 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 formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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