The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course 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.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved 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 address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed 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 announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he worried the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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