The Senate on Tuesday quickly approved to a measure that will force the release of case documents related to the deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following a almost unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and a reversal by the president and his Republican allies. Trump's team gave in after months of trying to block the cross-party initiative involving a scandal that has followed the president since his return to the White House.
Expedited Approval in Congress
Senators proceeded by unanimous consent, which requires approval from each senator but avoids a recorded vote, speeding up the process. Earlier that day, the House overwhelmingly approved the bill on a 427-1 tally.
Citizens have waited long enough. Those affected have waited patiently,” the Senate Democratic leader said in a floor speech on Tuesday, before requesting the Senate to adopt it by consent. “Uncover the facts. Ensure full disclosure.”
Next Steps
The bill next goes to Trump for his approval. He stated on the previous day that he would endorse the legislation.
Though the president has for months dismissed the uproar over the authorities' approach of the Epstein case as a “political stunt”, he expressed his backing for the House bill over the weekend, and announced he would give his assent if it is presented to him.
Response
The Democratic party, along with those affected and their supporters who were watching from a viewing area, cheered after the bill was passed. The sole “no” vote came from a Louisiana Republican, who stated he was concerned the measure would make public specific data of witnesses, persons of interest and others caught up in the investigation.
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