The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted 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 near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next goes to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he expressed his backing for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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