The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. The survivors have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Let transparency reign.”
Next Steps
The bill next heads to Trump for his approval. The president indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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