The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication 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. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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