The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next heads to the president for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and said he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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