The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will force the release of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. Trump indicated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would reveal personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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