The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to the president for his approval. He signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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