The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The measure next will be sent to the president for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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