The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He stated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Democrats, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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