The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will force the release of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Future Action
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose personal information of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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