The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the lower house and a change of position by Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a case that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Both Chambers
The Senate acted by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, expediting the process. Earlier that day, the House voted decisively for the bill on a massive majority.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have suffered long enough,” the top Senate Democrat said in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before urging the chamber to approve it without opposition. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Future Action
This legislation next will be sent to the president for his approval. Trump signaled on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Although the president has for months rejected the controversy over the government’s handling of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the past few days, and stated he would approve it if it comes to him.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with victims and their representatives who were seated in a public section, applauded after the bill was enacted. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he was concerned the measure would make public personal information of individuals involved, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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