The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Allow openness to prevail.”
Next Steps
This legislation next goes to Trump for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of people, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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