The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents associated with the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose personal information of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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