The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to Trump for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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