The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others caught up in the investigation.
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