The upper chamber of Congress on this Tuesday passed without delay to a bill that will mandate the disclosure of case documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after a almost unanimous vote in the US House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his GOP allies. Trump's team gave in after an extended period of trying to delay the cross-party initiative involving a controversy that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by general agreement, which needs acceptance from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, accelerating the process. Hours earlier, the House passed by a huge margin the bill on a 427-1 tally.
“The American people have endured sufficient delay. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat stated in a address to the chamber on Tuesday, before asking the chamber to pass it unanimously. “Let the truth come out. Ensure full disclosure.”
Presidential Signature
This legislation next goes to the president for his signature. Trump stated on Monday that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for an extended period rejected the uproar over the government’s handling of the scandal as a “political stunt”, he signalled his support for the measure over the weekend, and announced he would sign the measure if it reaches his desk.
Response
Opposition lawmakers, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were watching from a public section, applauded after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from Clay Higgins, who said he feared the measure would make public specific data of individuals involved, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
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