The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House relented after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months 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 sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a viewing area, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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