The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team relented after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months downplayed the uproar over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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