The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile 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 White House relented after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to Donald Trump for his signature. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. Lone dissent came from a GOP representative, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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