The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he feared the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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