The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who said he feared the measure would reveal personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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