The Senate on Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. The president stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the past few days, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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