The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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