The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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