The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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