The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would give his assent if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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