The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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