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, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The measure next heads to Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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