The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his GOP allies. The White House relented after months of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next will be sent to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though Trump has for months downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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