The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to block the joint action involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, accelerating the process. Just before, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next will be sent to Trump for his signature. He signaled on the previous day that he would approve the bill.
Although the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
The Democratic party, along with victims and their representatives who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would make public identifying details of witnesses, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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