The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to Trump for his endorsement. The president indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though the president has for months dismissed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would disclose identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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