The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and said he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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