The Senate on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will require the publication of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a shift by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration changed course after an extended period of trying to forestall the joint action involving a scandal that has dogged the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by consensus, which requires approval from each senator but does not require a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
The public have been patient long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before requesting the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Reveal the truth. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to the president for his endorsement. He indicated on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Although the president has for an extended period dismissed the outcry over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the measure over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Reaction
Opposition lawmakers, along with those affected and their advocates who were watching from a House gallery, applauded after the bill was approved. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he feared the measure would disclose personal information of witnesses, potential suspects and others caught up in the investigation.
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