The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to legislation that will require the publication of case documents concerning the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a overwhelming vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. The administration gave in after months of trying to delay the bipartisan effort involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his return to the White House.
Swift Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance 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 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. The survivors have waited long enough,” the Senate Democratic leader stated in a floor speech on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his endorsement. Trump signaled on Monday that he would sign the measure.
Even though the president has for months dismissed the outcry over the official management of the investigation as a “Democrat hoax”, he voiced approval for the legislation over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it reaches his desk.
Reaction
Democrats, along with those affected and their representatives who were seated in a viewing area, broke into applause after the bill was passed. The only opposition came from a Louisiana Republican, who said he worried the measure would disclose personal information of people, those under scrutiny and others implicated in the investigation.
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