The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his return 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 individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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