The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will force the release of case documents related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration relented after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Earlier that day, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he expressed his backing for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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