The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents associated with the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has dogged the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which needs acceptance from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, expediting the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The measure next goes to Donald Trump for his approval. Trump indicated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the outcry over the authorities' approach of the scandal as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Support and Opposition
The Democratic party, along with survivors of Epstein and their advocates who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from Clay Higgins, who said he worried the measure would make public personal information of witnesses, those under scrutiny and others involved in the investigation.
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