The Senate on Tuesday gave swift approval to a bill that will require the publication of case documents associated with the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a near-unanimous vote in the lower house and a change of position by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team changed course after months of trying to block the joint action involving a case that has plagued the president since his comeback to the White House.
Expedited Passage in Congress
The Senate acted by general agreement, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a individual voting process, speeding up the process. Hours earlier, the House voted decisively for the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have been patient long enough. Jeffrey Epstein’s victims have waited patiently,” the top Senate Democrat declared in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Allow openness to prevail.”
Presidential Signature
The measure next goes to Trump for his signature. The president stated on Monday that he would approve the bill.
Although Trump has for months rejected the uproar over the authorities' approach of the investigation as a “false narrative”, he signalled his support for the measure over the past few days, and said he would sign the measure if it comes to him.
Response
Democrats, along with survivors of Epstein and their representatives who were present in a public section, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would disclose identifying details of people, potential suspects and others involved in the investigation.
Additional News Updates
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