The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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