The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP 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.
Expedited Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next heads to Donald Trump for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and said he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he feared the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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