The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Approval in Congress
The Senate acted by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
The public have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have suffered long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Let the truth come out. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The bill next will be sent to Donald Trump for his approval. He stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for an extended period downplayed the outcry over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it reaches his desk.
Support and Opposition
Democrats, along with victims and their advocates who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. Lone dissent came from Clay Higgins, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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