The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
Citizens have endured sufficient delay. The survivors have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to the president for his signature. The president signaled on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were seated in a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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