The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a case that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have waited long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next heads to the president for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Even though Trump has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
Other Stories
- The president faces criticism for calling a correspondent as ‘piggy’ during a disagreement aboard Air Force One.
- Federal judge rejects ‘racially gerrymandered’ maps in Texas that awarded Republicans additional districts.
- A significant number of Department of Education's responsibilities transferred to different agencies as part of White House efforts.
- Large-scale operations extend to North Carolina capital, with representatives confirming ongoing activities.
