The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by the president and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after months of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
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 voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support 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
Democrats, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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