The Senate on this Tuesday quickly approved to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a reversal by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. The White House changed course after months of trying to forestall the joint action involving a case that has followed the president since his comeback to the White House.
Unanimous Passage in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by consensus, 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 public have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” Chuck Schumer declared in a Senate remarks on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
The measure next heads to the president for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Though the president has for an extended period downplayed the controversy over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and announced he would approve it if it is presented to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their advocates who were seated in a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who expressed concern he was concerned the measure would reveal identifying details of people, potential suspects and others implicated in the investigation.
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