The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Donald Trump for his endorsement. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he feared the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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