The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to Trump for his endorsement. He signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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