The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a recorded 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 declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for an extended period downplayed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would make public identifying details of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
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