The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a shift by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next goes to Trump for his approval. The president signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Though Trump has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the House bill over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Reaction
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were present in a public section, applauded after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of witnesses, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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