The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited 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 adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their representatives who were present in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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