The Senate on this Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the cross-party initiative involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Both Chambers
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a formal roll call vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a massive majority.
The public have waited long enough. Those affected have waited long enough,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the Senate to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next heads to Trump for his signature. He indicated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months downplayed the controversy over the official management of the Epstein case as a “false narrative”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and stated he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, broke into applause after the bill was approved. The only opposition came from a GOP representative, who stated he worried the measure would reveal specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others involved in the investigation.
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