The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will force the release of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House gave in after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his endorsement. Trump stated on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Support and Opposition
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were seated in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of people, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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