The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will require the publication of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The White House relented after months of trying to delay the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Just before, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next goes to Trump for his signature. He stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Though Trump has for months rejected the controversy over the official management of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it is presented to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a House gallery, broke into applause after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would reveal personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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