The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
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 chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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