The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill 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 shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, cheered after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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