The upper chamber of Congress on Tuesday quickly approved to legislation that will mandate the disclosure of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives and a change of position by Donald Trump and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to forestall the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has followed 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, expediting the process. Just before, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a near-unanimous vote.
“The American people have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before urging the Senate to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Let transparency reign.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on the previous day that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for an extended period rejected the controversy over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the House bill over the weekend, and stated he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their supporters who were present in a House gallery, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose specific data of individuals involved, persons of interest and others implicated in the investigation.
Other News Updates
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